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Asilversmith is ametalworker who crafts objects fromsilver. The termssilversmith andgoldsmith are not exactsynonyms, as the techniques, training, history, andguilds are (or were, at least) largely the same but differed in that the end product may vary greatly (as may the scale of objects created).
In the ancientNear East (as holds true today), the value of silver was lower than the value of gold, allowing a silversmith to produce objects and store them as stock. HistorianJack Ogden states that, according to an edict written by Diocletian in 301 A.D., a silversmith was able to charge 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300denarii per Roman pound for material produce. At that time,guilds of silversmiths formed to arbitrate disputes, protect its members' welfare, and educate the public of the trade.[2]
Silversmiths inmedieval Europe andEngland formed guilds and transmitted their tools and techniques to new generations via theapprentice tradition. Silverworking guilds often maintained consistency and upheld standards at the expense of innovation. Beginning in the 17th century, artisans emigrated to America and experienced fewer restrictions. As a result, silverworking was one of the trades that helped to inaugurate the technological and industrial history of the United States silverworking shift to industrialization.
Very exquisite and distinctly designed silverware, especially the artisanal craft that goes by the name ofSwami silver, emerged from the stable of watchmaker-turned-silversmithP.Orr and Sons in the South Indian city of Madras (now Chennai) during theBritish rule in 1875.
Silversmiths saw or cut specific shapes from sterling and fine silver sheet metal and bar stock; they then use hammers to form the metal over anvils and stakes. Silver is hammered cold (at room temperature). As the metal is hammered, bent, and worked, it 'work-hardens'.Annealing is the heat-treatment used to make the metal soft again. If metal is work-hardened, and not annealed occasionally, the metal will crack and weaken the work.
Silversmiths can usecasting techniques to create knobs, handles and feet for the hollowware they are making.
After forming and casting, the various pieces may be assembled bysoldering andriveting.
During most of their history, silversmiths usedcharcoal orcoke firedforges, and lung-poweredblow-pipes for soldering and annealing. Modern silversmiths commonly use gas burning torches as heat sources. A newer method islaser beam welding.
Silversmiths may also work withcopper andbrass, especially when making practice pieces, due to those materials having similar working properties and being more affordable than silver.
