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Concept
Silversmith
Summary
A silversmith is a metalworker who crafts objects from silver. The terms silversmith and goldsmith are not exact synonyms, as the techniques, training, history, and guilds 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 ancient Near East (as holds true today), the value of silver to gold was lower, allowing a silversmith to produce objects and store these as stock. Historian Jack 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 300 denarii for material produce (per Roman pound). At that time, guilds of silversmiths formed to arbitrate disputes, protect its members' welfare, and educate the public of the trade.
Silversmiths in medieval Europe and England formed guilds and transmitted their tools and techniques to new generations via the apprentice 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 of Swami Silver, emerged from the stable of watchmaker-turned-silversmith P.Orr and Sons in the South Indian city of Madras (now Chennai) during the British rule in 1875.
The Beta Israel, known more widely as the Falasha of Ethiopia, were known for their silversmithing skills.
saw (jeweler's saw)
snips
flat file
jewelers' files
planishing hammer
raising hammer
cross-pein hammer
ball-pein hammer
anvils
stakes
swage blocks
riveting
silver hard-solder
flux
borax
boric acid
torch or blow-pipe
pickle (dilute sulphuric acid or organic acids which are used to remove firescale)
buffing wheels
polishing compounds.
Official source
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