A word about Designers and Silversmiths

Designers

Those creative individuals who on paper or in their minds have the ability to create unique ways in which we can adorn our bodies.

Silversmiths

Those creative individuals who are able to work a metal – in this case silver - using numerous jewelry making techniques. These techniques are mastered and perfected only one way: the longer you do them the better you become. The silversmiths translate the designer’s drawing or idea and they often problem solve a design in order to make an idea a wearable work of art.

Designer/Silversmiths

Those creative individuals who are able to do both.

I think we are so lucky to have all of the above.  Where would we be without jewelry designers? I also think that silversmiths get short changed. Many people, in my experience, are true masters “maestros” in the craft of silver smithing. But you never know their names. And finally, I think that a distinction should be made when a designer can not only design but work the metal.