Gaining Appreciation for the Great Skills of Silversmithing

As part of our staff training schedule here at Sheffield Assay Office, six members of staff attended a silver tag making workshop at Silver Space, Yorkshire Artspace with Daisy Lee Overton.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tutorial and making a tag, and there was clearly a lot of talent amongst the team.

The new Silver Space facilities and the opportunity to try their hand at silversmithing, has helped the team to foster a much greater appreciation for the silversmithing practice.

Staff Member Anj said "I jumped at the chance to do this workshop as I’ve always wanted to see the process that goes into jewellery making. I’m into my arts and crafts, so I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. Overall this was a great experience and would definitely love to do it again".

Steve commented "It was good to learn new skills and the staff were very friendly and helpful, I enjoyed it very much. It showed me a side of the trade that I didn’t know much about and an insight into how much work goes into making jewellery. I would recommend it to anybody, thoroughly enjoyed the experience".

"The workshop was very interesting, enjoyable and I gained a whole new learning experience of making a silver tag", said team member Noemi. "Our tutor Daisy was great. She was very friendly, helpful and approachable. The working environment was excellent".

Dan said "A day working at Yorkshire Artspace in the Silver Space workshop making a pendant / tag in a small group of people, learning techniques such as cutting/ sawing, shaping, filing, annealing, silver soldering. I thought that being in a small group was very good having individual tuition from a silversmith was easy, learning the steps of the different techniques needed to get the best outcomes on the day. Everything was provided, eg tools and even tea and biscuits! A very fun and enjoyable day and I personally left the workshop with a new thrust for creativity and wanted to attend more classes like ring making in the future". 

Yorkshire Artspace Programme Manager, Rachel Dodd said "It was wonderful for us to be able to host an SAO staff workshop in our Silver Space facility, it was a chance to give back a little to our generous and long-term sponsor and partner.  It seemed that everyone enjoyed their away-day and gained a little more insight into the silversmithing making process.   

Click here to find out more about Silver Space and Yorkshire Artspace.

The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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