You might think we'd know this seemingly simple answer but it can cause some heated debate
among the most placid of folks...
I guess if you make or sell your jewellery / skills in that field then you're a Jeweller,
but what else are you and is that how you define yourself?
For example as I make precious metal jewellery, I'm a GOLDSMITH even if I mainly work in silver.
The dictionary defines a goldsmith, as "any person who makes small objects of precious metals,
usually for personal adornment".
A SILVERSMITH according to the dictionary is a person who works on larger hollowware & flatware;
things like candle-holders, knifes, forks, spoons, plates etc....
Given that I rarely work with gold, "goldsmith" doesn't really feel appropriate, however impressive it might
sound on business cards! I previously thought a better term for me was either "metalsmith" or "silversmith"
but I learnt that neither of those are right at all!
So, I have decided I'm an Artisan Jeweller. Artisan because it reflects the creativity I put
into my pieces and "jeweller" because I can't think of anything else!!
Nic x
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