Silversmiths cut pieces from sterling sheet metal. They use hammers to form the silver over anvils and stakes at room temperature. As the metal is hammered, bent, and worked, it ‘work-hardens’. If metal is work-hardened, and not annealed it will crack and weaken the work.
Annealing is a heat treatment used to make the metal soft again. The metal is heated to a specific temperature, allowed to cool and soften so it can be cut and shaped. Historically Silversmiths used charcoal or coke fired forges, and lung-powered blow-pipes for soldering and annealing. Modern silversmiths use gas burning torches or laser beam welding as heat sources.
Silversmiths can use casting techniques to create knobs, handles and feet for the hollowware they are making. After forming and casting, the various pieces may be assembled by soldering and riveting.
If you would like to learn more about the history and techniques of the silversmith please get in touch. We are happy to show customers around our workshop by arrangement.
