About Handcrafted Sterling Silver Jewelry
Silver was first discovered in Texas in the 1680s by Franciscan monks. In the years that followed, Texas would become a major hub for silver mining and silver working. Though there are no operating silver mines in Texas today, the tradition of finely crafted jewelry remains.
How is sterling silver handcrafted?
Sterling silver is a silver alloy that has been forged by mixing silver with another metal, often copper or zinc. The addition of copper, zinc, or some other metal makes the silver stronger and more durable.
Once the silver has been refined and forged into solid blocks, rods, or pounded out into thin sheets, a silversmith envisions and then designs a piece of jewelry. Some silversmiths prefer to sketch out a design and others prefer to let the process shape the finished product.
Silversmiths use an anvil to hammer out the basic shape of the jewelry and then heat the silver periodically throughout the undertaking in a process called Annealing. Annealing keeps the silver workable and prevents cracks. Annealing used to be done in a fire with billows, but most modern silversmiths prefer gas torches or even lasers to heat the silver.
Once the silversmith has formed the basic shape of the piece, they can use their torch or laser to solder pieces together. Soldering is used to work with intricate pieces, such as a ring with multiple bands.
What are the advantages of handcrafted sterling silver?
1. Each piece is unique. Handcrafted silver is one of a kind because it is made by a living-breathing person instead of a machine. Each piece of handcrafted jewelry is a tiny work of art that has been a labor of love for an artisan. Most silversmiths take great pride in their work and love coming up with new designs. Because the jewelry is handcrafted one piece at a time, each one is slightly different than any other piece, even if they have the same basic design.
2. The added details. Handcrafted sterling silver jewelry is detailed. Silversmiths have time to perfect each piece, and they can craft beautiful details.
3. It's beautiful. Overall, handcrafted silver is of the highest quality. Each piece is painstakingly formed and inspected. You can expect a beautiful piece of jewelry that is long lasting and worthy of becoming a family heirloom.
What kinds of sterling silver jewelry can you get?
There are many options to consider. Silversmiths make all sorts of rings, from simple bands to elaborate engagement style pieces. You can find a wide variety of necklaces that are handcrafted, both feminine or masculine in style. You can also buy sterling silver bracelets that come in delicate tennis style loops or chunky and trendy silver cuffs. Contact jewelers who create Texas handcrafted silver jewelry to learn more.
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