250 Years of American Silversmithing

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Silversmithing--the art of turning silver into beautiful jewelry and objects that are both useful and attractive--has evolved over the past 250 years of American history. Philadelphia Museum of Art curator David Barquist provides an overview of silver production in the United States. In the late 18th century, American silversmiths were still grounded in stylistic and workshop traditions inherited from Europe. With the beginning of the industrial revolution, silver manufacturing shifted from small workshops to factories, with American silversmiths making numerous technical innovations. The discovery of vast silver deposits in the western United States in the middle of the 19th century increased the availability of the precious metal, and consumers were supplied with a multitude of forms made by ever-larger manufacturers. By the end of the century, the Arts and Crafts movement led a reaction against industrial production and encouraged individual handicraft in small-scale workshops. The 20th century saw handicraft and industry on parallel paths, although American silver production declined as consumer demand for silver decreased. However, in the 21st century, craft artists have continued to keep traditional techniques alive while developing innovative processes. General Information View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online P