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Sterling Silver Jewelry Making - The Art of the Silversmith
Sterling silver jewelry making is also known as silversmithing. Learning how to silversmith dates back to the beginning of written history. “Smithin” originates from the word smite which means to hit or strike. "Smithing" of many types is both an art and a science with historical origins before written history. The word "smith" is a derivative of "smite" which means to strike or hit. The oldest item created by using silversmithing techniques is The Silver Scrolls that date to 600 B.C. They consist of two small sheets of silver rolled into scrolls. They were discovered in a burial cave in Jerusalem. The text of the Priests Benediction was found inscribed on the surface of the silver. Originally sterling silver jewelry making was done by goldsmiths. It was not until the Middle Ages that a separation began between people who learned how to silversmith and people who were goldsmiths. Silver was plentiful and cheaper than gold. This made it more affordable for individuals to enter the trade. The goldsmith became more highly revered and was assigned special commissions from the nobility and royalty. Silversmiths’ the art into a new trade market by making jewelry and tableware items more affordable.
Studio Silversmiths
During Colonial times, silversmiths had the talent of artist and sculptors. Learning how to silversmith or working with sterling silver was considered an art and a science. Artist emerged to create unique and tasteful designs. Artist such a Jeremiah Dummer of Newberry, Massachusetts, Paul Revere (yes, the patriot of the American Revolution) from Boston, Massachusetts and Abel Buel of Killington, Connecticut introduced quality and class into the trade.
Modern silversmiths use the same techniques, vocabulary and tools used throughout history. The Society of American Silversmiths was founded in 1989, to preserve the traditions of the trade. It is the only professional organization dedicated to the preservation of the contemporary silversmith. In order to become a member, you must submit a piece of your work to be assessed by a jury. The society offers technical support and knowledge on sterling silver jewelry making to the public and future silversmiths. Learn about the properties of fine-silver.
From sterling silver jewelry making to how to make jewelry
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Another notable silversmith was Charles Tiffany , born in 1812 during the Victorian era, he learned how to silversmith to understand the evolution of silver patterns of the Colonial times in contrast with the Victorian silver. He founded Tiffany & Company in 1851 with the purpose of promoting English sterling silver standards. This changed the silversmithing profession by introducing higher quality standards. 
