Are Jewellers Shy?

[Dennis]

The frequently seen hundreds of views and one reply would attest to this. Forums thrive on opinions and feedback, the more controversial the better, so as we are nearly halfway to next Christmas again, here is a carol dedicated to the shy ones.

Come all ye lurkers,
Jewellery making shirkers,
Come ye, Oh come ye
Unto the ForUm.

Come entertain us,
Ask advice or blame us.
Post almost anything ,
But don’t stay stum. Dennis.

[ps_bond]

Please note: The above offer is not a valid excuse for spamming

[medusa]

pffft! if so then it's proof positive I'm not a proper jeweller!

[Goldsmith]

I also am not classed as a jeweller, all of my official apprentice indenture papers and my freedom papers state that I had served my time as a goldsmith, I only make jewellery as a sideline
James

[medusa]

so which do you think is more skilled, goldsmithing or jewellery making, or is that comparing apples and oranges?

[Goldsmith]

I think that is comparing apples with oranges. In my time I have seen work by jewellers that has amazed me, but of course I have also seen work that didn't appeal to me. Assembling ready made findings onto castings which have been made from computer cut waxes has become the norm these days, those that only do this work are also called jewellers. As a goldsmith I was taught to create items by hand, from sheet and wires, using hand tools, such as my Tutankhamun mask paperweight shown below. I made this using only 18ct gold sheet and wire, using manufacturing techniques that have not changed in centuries, the shapes were hammered and the face was chased from sheet and the snakes were carved from wires. The only electrics used in the making of this piece was the polishing motor and the lapidary.

James