Goldsmithing, or precious metal working, is a centuries-old craft that works gold and other precious metals. Historically, goldsmiths created a range of products such as jewelry, utensils, and servingware. Today, goldsmiths mainly fashion pieces of jewelry.
This can be a lucrative career for creative and detail-oriented individuals who enjoy metalworking on a smaller, more delicate scale than similar trades like blacksmithing or bladesmithing. Because of the demand for high-quality jewelry, goldsmiths enjoy a higher level of job security than other creatives. In this article, we will dive deeper into what goldsmiths do, how to become a goldsmith, and the career prospects for aspiring smiths.
What Does a Modern Goldsmith Do?
While the name implies that goldsmiths work solely with gold, they actually work with a variety of precious metals such as silver and platinum to make jewelry. They are also skilled at selecting and placing gemstones.
Duties of a Professional Goldsmith (precious metal worker)
Goldsmiths perform a variety of tasks in their day to day routines, such as:
- Ordering materials and determining metal qualities
- Reading orders/instructions and create based on guidelines
- Using various equipment to heat, cut, form, and polish metals into desired pieces
- Communicating with customers and performing administrative tasks
Goldsmith Equipment Required for the Job
Some of the most common equipment used by goldsmiths includes a rolling mill, files, pliers, hammers, polishing tools, and a heat source to make metal moldable. Although these tools are standard in the industry, you may require more or less equipment depending on the types of items you make and your individual style.
If you work for yourself, you will be able to decide what equipment you use the most and what is worth investing in. If you work for an employer they will provide the tools needed and you will likely need to know how to operate a more extensive list of equipment.
METALSMITH TOOL KIT BASIC BLOCKS HAMMERS METAL SMITHING JEWELRY MAKING TOOLS SET
- 🟢 JTS Metalsmith tool kit 15PCS
- 🟢 JETS Product # 1020-1420
- 🔻More information on product description🔻
What Items Do Goldsmiths Make?
Most goldsmiths today create jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches, although as artists, the possibilities are only as limited as their imaginations. Many goldsmiths specialize in a specific style of jewelry making and they typically craft pieces that fit their desired aesthetic. Others work on a wider range of products that are appealing to large markets.
Education Paths for Goldsmiths – Where to Begin?
As with other trades, there is no one path to becoming a goldsmith. Depending on where you live, you may have different opportunities available to you in the metalworking field, so be sure to do research about degrees and programs in your area to find the educational path that works best for you. It may or may not be a traditional degree, as there are other options such as self-teaching and apprenticeships, which will be covered in this section.
1) Goldsmith College/Technical School
Goldsmithing is becoming an increasingly common area of study in major arts colleges worldwide. Most four-year colleges offer a bachelor of fine arts in subjects such as jewelry design or artistic metalworking more generally. Any program that incorporates hands-on learning is a great option for prospective goldsmiths because you will be gaining experience working with different metals and techniques in the classroom.
Many technical schools also offer degrees in metalworking or jewelry making and are shorter, usually more cost-effective programs. While they may not be as in-depth as a traditional college degree, two-year programs allow you to learn what you need in a short amount of time so you can get into the workforce and gain real-world experience faster.
If you are wondering what programs are available in your area, check out metalsmithsociety.com for schools and studios offering classes in the US and worldwide.
2) Goldsmithing Apprenticeships
Like other metalworking professions, goldsmithing is oftentimes taught through apprenticeships with local master smiths and organizations. Apprenticeships allow for one-on-one training in a real workplace setting, so it is a great way to learn the trade in an individualized manner and become familiar with industry practices. One of the most prestigious apprenticeship programs for goldsmiths is through The Goldsmith Company in the UK.
Apprentices learn the trade and demonstrate their skills at trade shows and events. If you are located in the UK or are willing to travel, this program is definitely worth checking out. For prospective goldsmiths in other regions of the world, inquire with local goldsmithing organizations or individual smiths in your area for information on apprenticeship programs.
3) Self-Teaching
In addition to learning through a traditional program, self-teaching and regular practice can help you acquire a wider range of skills and help you develop your own unique style of jewelry making. Experiment with different metals, finishing techniques and designs to refine your personal aesthetic and master the skills needed to make a wide range of items.
Self-teaching is not only inexpensive and flexible, but it shows that you are a motivated individual who is truly passionate about goldsmithing.
Additional Skills & Requirements of Goldsmiths
Each goldsmith has his or her own unique set of characteristics and mastered techniques. The following are a few skills all goldsmiths need to succeed at the craft and stand out amongst competitors. For those seeking self-employment, their skillset must be even broader.
1) Manual Dexterity
Goldsmithing involves working with very small pieces of metal and shaping them in intricate ways. Therefore, goldsmiths require a high degree of manual dexterity and the ability to perform repetitive motions with their hands.
2) An Eye for Design & Visualisation
Goldsmithing is a highly artistic craft that requires knowledge in design. Goldsmiths need to make good-looking products in order to sell them, and the more beautiful and tasteful their work is, the more sought after it will become. Many goldsmiths develop their own style and create their own signature designs for pieces. If you are seeking self-employment, having strong design skills are vital in creating marketable products that clients will recognize.
Goldsmiths are also able to take a written or verbal draft of a design and create a tangible product from it. This requires a high degree of visualization in order to make an idea come to life.
