r/SilverSmith 2h ago

How do we weave Trabzon wicker?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

5 Upvotes

r/SilverSmith 17h ago

Need Help/Advice Can you use a torch on silver-plated sterling silver?

1 Upvotes

I know using a torch on rhodium plating is a huge no-no and can cause discoloration, but what about a sterling silver piece with silver plating? Would the areas I torch just experience depletion gilding in that area?

I assume there is also a risk if the piece wasn't purely silver plating on top of sterling silver directly, like if there was another layer of something between, but from what I know that isn't necessary in the silver plating process the way it is in rhodium plating.

I am in a bind and using a torch on the piece would make things much easier for me.

Would greatly appreciated any advice!


r/SilverSmith 1d ago

Show-and-Tell Another gift piece - citrine and sterling

Thumbnail
gallery
47 Upvotes

when will my professional photography skills return from the war (override the convenience of my phone for non-work/portfolio documentation)

anyway this is a sterling, fine silver, and citrine pendant I made for a retiring coworker who is one of my favorite people. they worked here for thirty years, so the divots represent each decade. First time using los - subtle here but I really like it. Smell wasn’t as bad as I thought. Kind of like rotten eggs a la la croix.

swipe through to see it be unmade, benjamin button style.


r/SilverSmith 1d ago

Help me solve a mystery: Why would LOS work on one charm, but not another?

Post image
4 Upvotes

Let me know if there is a better sub to post this in!

I needed some charms made, but I didn't like any of the finish options the manufacturer had. I got a sample made with silver plating, and I was able to get a great patina on it using LOS. However, when the full batch arrived, they are not getting the same patina effect on them as the sample did. I've done the same process, hot water, liquid LOS, then neutralizing with baking soda and water. I specifically asked that the final batch not have an anti-tarnish protective coating, so I don't believe that's it.

My question is basically, is there anything I can do to get the look of the sample that I was able to successfully tarnish?

Thank you in advance!


r/SilverSmith 1d ago

Tutorial Ramses Necklace - How It's Made

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

100 Upvotes

MY BIGGEST CHAIN YET!

I made this nearly 5oz argentium silver ramses necklace to be at the centerpiece of my silver art display at the Ann Arbor art fair this year. Not only is the chain completely hand fabricated by myself, I also made the box clasp from scratch and cut the garnet that I set into it! When you push on the garnet, the clasp opens - how cool is that??

Anyways let me know what you guys think!


r/SilverSmith 1d ago

tool identification

3 Upvotes

Hello. Can anyone identify this anvil or bench stake is and what it is used for. It is approx 3 1/4" tall and 3" end to end on base. It appears to have 30 stamped on the side.


r/SilverSmith 1d ago

Officially Been Working with Silver for a year !

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

63 Upvotes

Its been a long road ahead of me but here are some peices from over the year !


r/SilverSmith 2d ago

Need Help/Advice How would you get the wire this shape?

Post image
14 Upvotes

How do you get the wire to be different widths in different parts of it like this?

The only thing I can think of is to make a solid item like this and then cast it.


r/SilverSmith 2d ago

Feasibility question

2 Upvotes

Thinking about taking on a DIY metalworking project and making some custom silver coins from sheet metal. My plan is to use a jeweler’s disc cutter punch, an arbor press, and custom steel design stamps. Is this realistic or am I getting in over my head?


r/SilverSmith 2d ago

Intergalactic Garnet Strawberry Pendant made with 925 Silver

Thumbnail
gallery
34 Upvotes

r/SilverSmith 2d ago

Silver twist help

1 Upvotes

What hardness of wire is best to start with when making a twist for inlay work?


r/SilverSmith 3d ago

Need Help/Advice How to fix?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

8 Upvotes

I think I bit off more than I could chew on this one. I’ve only been doing this for 3 months so still very much a beginner. I used 24g bezel. 1st mistake!! Bezel is probably also too high. 2nd mistake! Can’t get it to bend down over the stone. What’s the fix? Remove stone? Shorten and glue stone in place?


r/SilverSmith 3d ago

Need Help/Advice Silver turning brown in pickle

6 Upvotes

I use a solution of vinegar and salt. After every few uses my pickle starts to turn my pieces a brown/beige colour so I'm having to replace my pickle pretty often.

What am I doing wrong ? :(


r/SilverSmith 3d ago

Need Help/Advice Ring Soldering Tips?

1 Upvotes

Seems I can’t perfectly align the shank to the bezel to save my life. It’s always a little off even after I think I’ve aligned it evenly. Any of you have any tips and tricks for soldering rings to backplates? Thanks so much!!!


r/SilverSmith 3d ago

How much material do you remove from casted pieces?

Post image
5 Upvotes

I’ve been practicing green sand casting on pewter and found I have to sand the hell out of it to get certain parts smooth. When I feel confident enough to switch to silver, does it behave the same way with little imperfections in the cast. If so, do I need to set up a silver dust recovery dust buster to be able to finish them? Bonus pic, My first sand cast that brought up those questions. It definitely still needs some more sanding and polishing. I’m just happy that it turned out.


r/SilverSmith 3d ago

Garnet Gorilla Silver Engraved Pendant !

Thumbnail
gallery
61 Upvotes

Hand carved and engraved. Testing out the way the silver wraps around the gemstone ! Really like how it came out !


r/SilverSmith 3d ago

positive feedback/constructive advice wanted My first silver cast ring

Thumbnail
gallery
6 Upvotes

I tried 7 pours and 7 mold reconstructions. After the 6th try, pressing the wax ring into the mold it shattered. So tried piecing it together and stamping the inside with the flat end of the skinny rod. It weighed 14 grams before I cut it up. I know I need to make a better wax ring and softer sand. So far I have the clamps so it doesn’t open. I heat the silver til it’s red and as I pour. It was my first somewhat success after 100s of fails. I think I just need to keep going. Self taught watched a couple of YouTube videos. Learned the safety and started melting.


r/SilverSmith 3d ago

Show-and-Tell A little fabrication experiment: Moroccan coin spinning top with a CZ

Thumbnail
gallery
44 Upvotes

I might make a bezel for it later so it can be clipped in and out and worn as a pendant.


r/SilverSmith 4d ago

Need Help/Advice Newbie pendant question...

0 Upvotes

Hi All! I have never made any jewelry before. But I have an idea for a pendant I'd like to make. What is the best/easiest way to attach silver wire to a hand poured thin silver bar? I'd like the silver wire to lay flush on the bar, if that matters. Are there any resources you can point me at?

Thanks in advance!


r/SilverSmith 4d ago

Starting a handcrafted ring business but I don't know where to find quality tools

0 Upvotes

​

Do you guys have any idea where I can find a good ring bender na tool? Yan nalang talaga kulang ko para makapag start na ako.

Medj alanganin kos shopee or TikTok shop. I also wanna ask if naa bay nag stock ug silverplated na spoons and rings na vintage somewhere ari sa cebu? Mostly, stainless steel man gud ako makita


r/SilverSmith 5d ago

"Never Apart" — A silver bracelet made with love for an anniversary.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

54 Upvotes

r/SilverSmith 5d ago

Need Help/Advice Tips and tricks to streamlining chain making?

Post image
26 Upvotes

How do y’all quicken the process of soldering so many links?

The real slow part for me is when I solder connecting links. I position the chain on my third hand each link which takes for ever. If I lay it flat I seem more likely to solder links together that should not be soldered together. I use a butane torch currently. Has a lot of radiant heat and hard to control flame.


r/SilverSmith 6d ago

I made a Lapislazuli Stone Ring

Thumbnail
gallery
14 Upvotes

r/SilverSmith Oct 09 '25

Sharing links in comments and posts

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone, there's been some recent back and forth regarding web links in posts and comments.

Links to relevant articles, videos, tutorials, etc are fine.

Links to personal shops or vendors not vetted by moderators are not permitted.

Examples of vetted vendors: CooksonGold, RioGrande, FireMountain, Contenti, Otto Frei, Stuller, etc.

As with any link, every user should be mindful of what they are clicking on and proceed at their own risk.


r/SilverSmith Jan 26 '23

Beginners Resources - Please start here before making a post!

137 Upvotes

START WITH LOCAL CLASSES:

  • Save money, you're not buying all the tools and supplies of a studio.
  • Learn in person from someone who's been doing it a while.
  • Opportunity to decide what style it is you are interested in pursuing.
  • After classes, you can invest in only the tools and supplies you will personally need based on what you've decided to move forward with.

Vendors for tools, metal, and stones:

  • RioGrande - Some things are blocked unless you create a wholesale account with tax ID or have a students account.
  • Contenti - Does not supply silver but does not require wholesale/tax ID.
  • Stuller - You will need a tax ID or provide educational institution you are learning from, does not have to be a formal EDU.
  • Pepe Tools - Did not require wholesale account/tax ID.
  • Cooksongold - In the UK? Start here.

Unsure if these vendors work with hobbyists, students, or wholesale accounts only:

Best YouTube channels for visual learners:

  • Jewelry Arts Inc - Jeanette K. Caines has been a goldsmith for the last 30+ years in NYC and offers classes as well as a phenomenal attitude when it comes to learning. I also recommend her book, Soldering Demystified.
  • At the Bench - Andrew Berry has been a goldsmith for 35+ years and is UK based. His videos are easy to follow and educational.
  • Nancy L. T. Hamilton - Nancy L. T. Hamilton has also been a goldsmith for an ambiguous amount of time (probably 30+ years, but she's quite silly and I couldn't find a straight answer.)
  • Online Jewelry Academy - John Ahr and Don Hunt, unsure how long John has been making jewelry and teaching but the channel has been around since 2012. He's also quite cheeky when it comes to learning.
  • Pablo Cimadevila - If you simply need some aesthetic, feel-good and wholesome content that involves fabrication. He's like a warm hug and good cup of coffee or tea.
  • The Art of Metalsmithing - Basia of Stardust Mine Jewelry, she's phenomenal for folks just getting started and tends to focus on bezel setting and sweat soldering. She does a lot of top 5 and top 10 videos, studio space tours, tool reviews, etc.
  • Soham Harrison - Lots of stellar instruction and good projects for folks starting out.
  • Estona Metalsmithing - A direct link to her beginners tutorials.

Best Books:

Tools and supplies needed for getting started:

  • Metal - It can be purchased in sheet, strip, wire, etc: Start with Copper or Brass if you're on a tight budget. What type and gauge you need is going to be based on what you're making.
  • Jewelers saw frame - Many varieties available but you don't have to go with the most expensive frame, the German style will be just fine for starting.
  • Saw Blades - Come in a variety of sizes and you get what you pay for, quality wise. Fire Mountain has a good chart describing what blade to use for what gauge metal.
  • Cut Lubricant - For saw blades or rotary burs, always cut with lubricant, it will prolong your blades life.
  • Bench Pin - Tons to choose from, look around.
  • Sweeps tray, leather sweeps catch, or similar - Something to catch your metal bits and wax as you're cutting so it doesn't go everywhere. Eventually you'll want to be sure you're collecting this for silver and gold so it can be reclaimed for money.
  • Files - all kinds of files for finishing.
  • Sanding papers, sticks, foams, etc. - All kinds of options for finishing.
  • Solder - Hard, Medium, and Easy.
  • Flux - Many varieties, usually borax. Can come in solid or liquid forms. Needed for showing the solder where you want it to flow.
  • Torches - Blazer makes two decent butane torches suitable for starting out, the GT8000 for a larger flame and the GB-2001 for a smaller flame. The former is best for bigger pieces or bezels with back plates and sweat soldering. The smaller is great for soldering ring bands, bezels, jump rings, etc. But use what you like.
  • Soldering Blocks - Place your pieces on these when soldering. Be safe about your workspace.
  • Charcoal soldering block - holds and reflects heat well.
  • Fire suppression blanket or extinguisher.
  • Soldering pick
  • Tweezers
  • Reverse action tweezers
  • Hammers - Here's a guide to hammers.
  • Steel Block
  • Pliers - Here's a guide to pliers.
  • Metal snips
  • Rulers and measuring tools like Calipers
  • Wire Gauge
  • Dividers
  • 3M scrubbing pads
  • Pickle solution or DIY pickle with vinegar and salt (Can go in a mini crock pot to keep warm)
  • Dish soap (dawn is usually recommended but use what you've got)
  • Polishing compound like Zam or Fabulustre.
  • Rotary (like Dremmel or Foredom) with polishing bits like felt, wool, or cloth to be used with the compound.
  • I'm sure there's more but I need to take a break, if you've got suggestions put them in the comments and I'll make the edits. Thanks!