Once a week I make the half-hour long trek to Manningtree to sit in a freezing studio with three other silversmithers and my teacher. I had to make my way through the requisite projects every newbie makes and I had to overcome my slight fear of a blowtorch, which stems from the scary one my mom uses to make her beads.
I have since made a necklace charm inspired by two of my favourite things- shapes and Art Deco. I finished my first ring that fits well though the gem is so big it flips around my finger. Next I’m going to make something for my mom’s birthday but only have a few more weeks of class to do it in- eek pressure!
The exciting news is that my class has been invited to Goldsmith Hall in London for a workshop in May.
“The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, more commonly known as the Goldsmiths' Company, is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and received its first royal charter in 1327.
Founded to regulate the craft or trade of the goldsmith, the Goldsmiths' Company has been responsible since 1300 for testing the quality of gold, silver and, from 1975, platinum articles. The word hallmark originates from the fifteenth century when London craftsmen were first required to bring their artifacts to Goldsmiths' Hall for assaying and marking.”
Super cool! Its right by St Paul’s and at the end of the day I’ll get my own personalized stamp! It’s the little mark you see inside rings that tell you who made it and how what type of metal it is.
