How To Become A Goldsmith

Feb 14, 2021 21:20





If you want to become a goldsmith, there are different ways you can learn this trade. A thorough research will help find degrees and programs in your area and choose the path that fits you best. It may be a technical school, an apprenticeship or self-teaching. Read on to learn more about each option.

1. Technical school/goldsmith college

Major arts colleges worldwide offer courses in jewelry design and artistic metalworking which are getting increasingly popular. The hands-on learning approach will help you gain experience working with precious metals and master different jewelry making techniques. You can also consider a program in metalworking or jewelry making at a technical school.

While it may not be as comprehensive and deep as a college program, it allows you to learn the basics of working with metals which are indispensable for a beginner goldsmith. The technical education can be completed by an apprenticeship where you will master advanced techniques and accumulate practical experience.

2. Apprenticeship

You can learn goldsmithing through apprenticeships with local craftsmen and organizations. Your training will take place in a real workplace setting, so you will get the chance to familiarize yourself with real-world goldsmithing practices. During your internship, you will observe working goldsmiths and do practical work while being supervised and instructed by your professional guide.



This will help develop your skills faster. You can find apprenticeships online or reach out to local workshops and studios and ask them if they provide internships.

3. Self-teaching

To become a self-taught goldsmith, the main thing you have to do is practice a lot of metal work. Buy the tools and materials, set up a home studio, and choose the online resources to guide you. This can be tutorials, instructional pamphlets, articles, or digital books. Physical books would also do if they have updated information about the techniques and requirements of contemporary goldsmithing.

Keep in mind that self-teaching is harder because there is no one to explain your mistakes and bring you back on the right track in case you do something wrong. But if you like to do much research, have a keen eye for detail, and work meticulously on each aspect of goldsmithing, you can succeed.

The advantages of self-teaching are that it's inexpensive, flexible and offers more opportunities for experimenting and developing your own metalworking style.

Required goldsmith skills

To become a successful goldsmith, you should develop the following skills and abilities:

  1. Manual dexterity. A professional goldsmith must be able to shape small pieces of metal in intricate ways and perform precise and repetitive motions with their hands. 
  2. An eye for aesthetics. Goldsmithing requires advanced artistic skills and knowledge in design. The practitioners of this trade need to make eye-pleasing products that will appeal to potential customers. You can develop your own artistic style and signature designs to stand out from competitors. 
  3. Customer skills. Goldsmiths interact with customers daily, so they must possess strong customer service skills. Also, self-employed goldsmiths need good administrative and marketing skills to get their business function properly and bring profits.


Previous post Next post
Up
[]