A goldsmith works exclusively with gold, a silversmith works exclusively with silver and a goldsmith works with both, right?
What is a goldsmith?
Goldsmith is a term I often use when people ask me what I am. Because there is quite a bit of confusion between the different terms silversmith and goldsmith. A goldsmith works with precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium. But this one not only makes jewelry, but also other decorative objects such as candlesticks, figurines and vases (I don't do that). The techniques to create designs are soldering, forging and casting. It requires a lot of skill and precision because precious metals are very precious and every piece has to be perfect.
What is a goldsmith?
I am actually a goldsmith, but people think with this term that you only work with gold and that is not correct. As a goldsmith I work with gold, but also with other precious metals such as silver. A goldsmith mainly makes small objects, usually jewelry. The work requires a lot of skill and precision, but the use of gold and/or silver as a material makes it even more challenging. Gold and silver are a very soft metal and require careful handling to prevent damage.
What is a silversmith?
I can't really call myself a silversmith, although I work more with silver than gold at the moment. A silversmith works mainly with silver and other metals such as copper or alpaca. A silversmith usually does not make small objects (jewellery) but larger decorative objects. Hence the choice for silver/copper or brass or alpaca. For example, silversmiths also make silver cutlery, trays, candlesticks and other household items. The work requires a lot of skill and precision because silver is a very precious and delicate metal. Because a silversmith works with larger objects, they often have other tools than goldsmiths.
Love for the profession
Although there are differences between goldsmiths, goldsmiths and silversmiths, we all have one thing in common: our love for the profession. We are all passionate about creating beautiful, durable objects that last for generations. Whether working with gold, silver or other precious metals, it is an art form that can only be performed by talented craftsmen.
Conclusion
The difference between a goldsmith, goldsmith and silversmith mainly lies in the size of the objects we make and the specialization we have developed in our craft. But what connects us is our passion for creating beautiful, durable objects that stand the test of time.
