#@silversmith

[shannonsaitdesigns]

The Impact of Rising Silver Prices on Silversmiths

In recent times, the cost of silver has soared to unprecedented heights, significantly impacting the world of silversmiths and jewellery makers. This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased industrial demand, market speculation, and economic uncertainties.

For artisans and small businesses, like those in the jewellery industry, this dramatic increase in silver prices presents a considerable challenge. Silver, once a relatively affordable precious metal, has become a significant expense, affecting everything from material costs to pricing strategies.

Silversmiths are now faced with difficult decisions. Some may opt to raise the prices of their creations to offset the higher material costs, which could potentially alienate budget-conscious customers. Others might seek alternative materials or alloys, although this can compromise the traditional aesthetic and quality that customers expect.

Moreover, the fluctuating market prices create an unpredictable business environment. Budgeting and planning become more complex as the cost of raw materials can change rapidly, impacting profit margins and financial stability.

Despite these challenges, many artisans are finding innovative ways to adapt. Some are enhancing their designs with mixed metals, incorporating less expensive materials, or focusing on smaller, more intricate pieces that require less silver. Others are emphasizing the craftsmanship and unique qualities of their handmade pieces, ensuring that the added value justifies the higher price tag.

The rise in silver prices underscores the resilience and creativity within the jewelry community. While the road ahead may be uncertain, the passion and ingenuity of silversmiths continue to shine through, adapting to new economic realities while maintaining the artistry that defines their craft.

Stay connected for more insights into the evolving world of handmade jewelry and the talented artisans behind these stunning creations.

https://linktr.ee/hinkypunk

[koenji]

victorian mussel shaped vinaigrette in handcrafted silver, engraved 'Lucy'. 1876.

[infernal-lamb]

Loving the amount of cunt you embedded into that squid 🐙

LOL, i'm glad that came across at least?? Honestly, despite the veneer of uselessness and cowardice, I think Kallamar is a bit venomous and a bastard! But only when he isn't being humbled by his siblings (probably Heket and Narinder. He's a big baby loser to them!)....but also: fear can make someone very vicious. like a cornered animal. (I am justifying why Kallamar was so hard for me to kill. ignore that. NO IT WASN'T A SKILL ISSUE!!!)

He'll pick on Leshy because Leshy is much more....insecure abt their position as the youngest Bishop heh

[artbyjacstudio]

Forget flowers ~ I want crystals 🫧

[electriclasso]

So, I have a TON of work to do. I'm vending out of town at a two day long event next weekend, and I have a bench full of half-finished projects to complete and inventory to work on.

But then I saw this amazing art by @pinkiemme

And... I absolutely MUST make this bolo tie. Immediately. Right?

[sithe-they-demon]

Teeny tiny hammer got used to make teeny tiny rivets and a properly hinged knuckle ring, we'll be making a raven skull one later this week

[tubular-wave-jpg]

Obsessed with this silversmith I found on TikTok

Her tag is @/khasomari

[wyyrdplayy]

Idk if I've ever shared my works on here before since I use this mostly as a tlt spam account but I'm a silversmith and I made a cool Halloween themed thing yesterday and wanted to show it off

[sapphic-rocks]

"She held out her right hand. The Prioress slid on her silver ring, topped with the five-petalled flower of sunstone"

@sshannonauthor

ayo i made this ring in a day

[ID: a silver-coloured ring with five-petalled flower and an orange stone set in the middle. /end ID]

[koenji]

Late 16th century silver-gilt pomander with labeled spice compartments. Used for aromatic and spiritual purposes since the middle ages.

[cruelangelscrypt]

Hand-forged and one-of-a-kind labradorite amulet made by me 💘

Carved natural labradorite skull set in sterling silver. Rings and bezel soldered to a thick backplate for durability.

Can be worn multiple ways, tied into hair, laced through shoelaces, or as a choker.

In metaphysical circles, labradorite is revered as a potent protector, shielding one’s aura to ward off negativity. It's believed to not only guard against external forces but also to help neutralize internal negativity. Labradorite's renowned iridescence, symbolizing transformation, is closely tied to its reputation as a stone that bolsters inner strength and self-value. Additionally, it's thought to stimulate the throat chakra (communication, self-expression, creativity). While not linked to any specific zodiac sign, labradorite is often said to resonate strongly with those born under the sign of Cancer.

[in-herbones]

My 3 favorite pieces I made this year🖤🥀

[magnetothemagnificent]

(apologies in advance if this is a weird or offensive question, I'm just curious about the history)

Is judaica the same across Jewish communities of all global regions? Like do Asian, African, and European Jewish people have different types and styles of judaica, or is it generally all the same? I figured being dispersed across such varied areas would cause some divergences in how different cultural artifacts would look, but my cursory google searches have been unhelpful, both in finding judaica itself and in even getting any information on non-European Jewish communities.

I know this is probably a really ignorant question, but I like learning about different cultures and the history and evolutions of their artifacts.

There absolutely are different styles of Judaica!

Jews have been dispersed around the world, and thus our art has taken on many forms.

I will say though that a lot of Jews don't identify with just "Asian", "African", or "European". We are Jews. Our identity is Jewish. We have different labels that reflect where our ancestors found themselves in the diaspora at different points in history, but the three labels "Asian", "African", or "European" are far too simplistic. Ashkenazi, Italki, and Sephardi Jews have ties to Europe; Sephardi and Mizrachi and Ethiopian Jews have ties to Africa; Sephardi, Mizrachi, Bukharan, Cochin, and Kaifeng Jews have ties to Asia; all while being widely different and diverse subgroups and traditions. (There are far more different Minhagim than the ones I mentioned, by the way, I just mentioned a few as examples.)

Anyway, as for our Judaica.....

Of course it varies! We have had thousands of years to develop different art styles and techniques, although you will find certain motifs that arise often throughout most Judaica styles, such as Stars of David, lions, crowns, pomegranates and all of the rest of the Seven Species of Israel, eyes, hands, and fish.

Since it's almost Chanukah, I'm going to use different Chanukiyot as examples of the variations. I'm by no means an art historian, these are my notes based on what I've learned and read, and from observations.

Here is a classic Eastern European Chanukiyah. Here you can see two lions holding up a depiction of the seven-branched Temple Menorah, with a crown atop. It's made of bronze. This style of Chanukiyah was very popular, and had many variations. Sometimes the Temple Menorah was replaced with other motifs, such as the Ten Commandments, a Star of David, or some other symbol.

Here is a Moroccan Chanukiyah. You can see here that it's meant to be hanged on a platform or wall. It looks like it's made of copper. Already you can see the difference between this one and the previous one. You can see it has the floral and keyhole repeating patterns that are familiar in Moroccan art, and in fact this Chanukiyah here is intended to be lit with oil wicks, not candles, like the previous one.

This Chanukiyah isn't an antique, it's a modern design, as you can see by its oblong shape and reversable nature (it's supposed to be flipped over to serve as Shabbat candlesticks, too) however, it exemplifies the beautiful Yemenite Jewish silverwork. Silversmithing was historically a Jewish profession in Yemen, as Muslims were forbidden from silversmithing. Yemenite Jews acquired a reputation for their incredible silverwork. You can see how intricate the details are, the swirling, repeating patterns and leaves.

Here is an Italian Chanukiyah, likely from the 18th century. You can see the twin lions here again, only this time they're holding a flame. This Chanukiyah is also made for oil wicks, not candles. (Oil wicks are the more traditional and older way to light the Chanukah lights.) On it is enscribed in Hebrew, "Like the flame of Mitzvah and the Torah of light". There's also different designs than on the Eastern European Chanukiyah, such as the leaves and filigree, and the domed "roof".

And finally, here is an elaborate silver Ukranian Chanukiyah from the 19th century. This was once in the Great Suburban Synagogue in Lviv, and survived Nazi occupation. This is obviously a far more elaborate design than an average household would have, as this was in display in a syngogue and was intended to be a prominent peace of art. You can see again, more lions holding up the base of the lamp, and flowers and leaves and filigree, and a bird perched on top. The original Temple Menorah was described as having bulbs and flowers, and thus many Chanukiyah designs embody this by including such motifs in their designs.

These were only a few examples I was able to hobble together, and honestly you're right, anon, there aren't many accessible resources outlining the history and variation of Judaica.

Here's some further reading about Jewish art if you're interested:

Jewish Art: A Brief History

Jewish Art in the Ancient World

Ancient and Modern Art

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths

Jewish Art in Medieval and Modern Times

And this isn't educational, but it's a really interesting article:

Jewelry and Jewish Feminism

[id in alt text]

[blackirishweab]

Just made another ring. It’s bald in one spot where I soldered it closed, but (other than that) I’m very pleased with how it came out.

[natureselements]

✨Only 4 uniquely crafted silver 999 rings left available, two garnet and two peridot- these are one of a kind and won’t ever be replicated✨ shop here