Understanding Metalsmithing

Metalsmithing sits between jewelry-scale metalwork and blacksmithing in both scale and technique — it typically works cold or with a small torch rather than a full forge, producing vessels, sculpture, and larger wearable or decorative objects.

Core techniques

• Raising — a flat metal disc is hammered over a stake or form in repeated passes to slowly raise it into a hollow vessel shape.
• Forming and forging — metal is shaped by hammering, either cold or after localized heating with a torch.
• Soldering and brazing — metal pieces are joined using a filler metal melted at a lower temperature than the base metal.
• Welding — pieces are joined by melting the base metals themselves together, common in larger sculptural and fabrication work.
• Chasing and repoussé — a design is pushed into metal from the front (chasing) and back (repoussé) using specialized punches, building relief detail.

Where it overlaps with other disciplines

Jewelry making is metalsmithing at a small, often precious-metal scale; blacksmithing is metalsmithing at forge heat, working iron and steel with heavier tools. Many working metalsmiths move between scales depending on the piece.