Goldsmith facts for kids
A goldsmith is a skilled person who works with gold and other valuable metals. Think of them as artists and craftspeople who shape metal into beautiful and useful things. In the past, goldsmiths made many items like silverware, plates, cups, and special items for ceremonies or religious events. Today, because gold and other precious metals are very expensive, they mostly focus on making jewellery.
Goldsmiths need to be very good at shaping metal. They use tools to file, solder (join pieces with heat), saw, forge (shape with heat and hammering), cast (pour melted metal into molds), and polish metal. Often, they also have skills similar to a silversmith, who works with silver. Traditionally, these skills were learned by working as an apprentice with an experienced goldsmith. Now, you can also learn these skills at special jewellery arts schools or as part of fine arts programs at universities and colleges.
Historically, especially in Europe, goldsmiths also acted a bit like banks. People would trust them to keep their valuable items and money safe. They also helped exchange different types of money. However, they usually weren't allowed to lend money and charge interest, which was seen as wrong at the time.
Why Gold is Special for Goldsmiths
Gold is a fantastic metal for goldsmiths to work with. It's very malleable, meaning it can be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. It's also very ductile, which means it can be stretched into thin wires. Gold is rare, and it's the only solid metal that naturally has a yellow color.
One of the best things about gold is how easily it can be melted and shaped. Unlike some other metals, it doesn't have problems with rust or gas bubbles when heated. It's also easy to "pressure weld," where two small pieces can be hammered together to form one larger piece, almost like clay. Gold is called a noble metal because it doesn't react with most other elements. This means it doesn't rust or tarnish, staying shiny and beautiful for a very long time. It's often found in its pure, natural form.
Famous Goldsmiths
Many talented people have been goldsmiths throughout history. Here are a few well-known ones:
- Paul de Lamerie
- Paul Storr
- Lorenzo Ghiberti
- Benvenuto Cellini
- Johannes Gutenberg
- House of Fabergé
Related pages
Images for kids
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Gold used as raw material for making jewelry or as means of payment. From the Migration Period, Sweden around 400–549 AD.
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A goldsmith workshop during the mid-seventeenth century
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Gold and silver smith in Lucknow, India 1890
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Modern goldsmith at work
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17th century goldsmith.
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Renaissance goldsmith shop
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A Brahmin goldsmith from Goa, India, 16th century
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Goldsmith's workshop in Museum of Arts and Popular Customs of Seville
