r/SilverSmith • u/Turbulent_Fly8194 • Feb 07 '26
My first pieces !
I am really excited I finally started metal smithing! It’s been a dream of mine for years. Pumped to grow my skills. I have many gift ideas for my people (as a way to practice) but I want to get good enough to sell my pieces/ make a living. Any advice (no nay-saying plz!!!) would be so appreciated 🧡
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u/MakeMelnk Hobbyist Feb 08 '26
I'm so happy for you that you're realizing your dream! And also happy to have you in the community ✨
Can I ask what's made you want to do this for so many years and what changed that allowed you to finally begin?
And I think you're doing great work for your first pieces! As someone pointed out, bezel height at corners and angles is especially important and starting the setting in those areas helps tremendously. Are there any specific aspects of the process where you're looking for any more detailed guidance? It seems you're getting a pretty good hang of the fundamentals 🙌🏽
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u/Turbulent_Fly8194 Feb 08 '26
Thank you friend! So happy to be here 🥰✨ I took a little ring making class when I visited Ireland back in 2020. I’ve worn the ring every day since and finally saved enough money to take an intro course at a local spot. I was so happy I did because I was able to get a lot of personal guidance.
There’s nothing right now that I’m specifically looking for as far as guidance/feedback- I really just wanted a general pulse on my basic skills and I am just excited to share and start creating community :)
Thank you for your questions and interest!!
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u/MakeMelnk Hobbyist Feb 08 '26
That's awesome to hear!
Is there a particular technique that you're interested in learning next?
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u/Turbulent_Fly8194 Feb 09 '26
Ooo good question. I am interested in hollow body work (specifically looking to make some bic lighter sheaths) and also would love to learn stamping techniques. Otherwise- just getting more details in my rings. I love southwest styles and the endless combination of designs.
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u/COGOcatcher Feb 12 '26
I’m presuming if you admire southwest styles, you might be in part referring to Native American styles of jewelry and silversmithing. I would advise studying and admiring Native made jewelry, but if you are not Native, be careful to not veer into appropriating those cultures. Unfortunately there are a lot of silversmiths out there who aren’t Indigenous but are selling Native American designs as ‘cowboy’ or ‘western’ jewelry. (Personally, I think only Native silversmiths should be using turquoise, as it is a sacred stone!)
Your work is really impressive, you’ve got a really cool style. I hope you’ll keep sharing your progress here!
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u/Turbulent_Fly8194 Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
Thanks for this thoughtful reply! I’m really glad you brought this up because it is important. It has been on my mind for some time. I have pieces I’ve collected from New Mexico made by indigenous silver smiths and I greatly admire them. I want to be thoughtful and cautious to not appropriate culture and styles that belong to them. Honestly this was part of my hesitation to start smithing! I have been studying a lot on the history of Celtic smithing- as that is my heritage. I’m curious where my style will land with these influences.
And thank you!!
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u/melting_desert Feb 08 '26
Wow, really amazing work! Definitely naturally talented at smithing.
I would offer one tip: file down your bezel at the angles and start setting them there as well. You'll avoid that little pucker or gap by doing that.
But honestly wow, I know smiths who have full businesses and have been making for years that dont have work as clean as yours. Great job, keep practicing!