The Art of Silversmithing: How Turquoise and Gemstone Jewelry Is Made
Introduction
Turquoise and gemstone jewelry is more than beautiful—it’s the result of skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations. Silversmithing, in particular, is a meticulous art that combines technical skill with creativity. Whether it’s a turquoise ring or a labradorite pendant, each piece tells a story of tradition, precision, and passion.
In this guide, we’ll explore how turquoise and other gemstone jewelry is made, the steps silversmiths follow, and why handcrafted jewelry holds lasting value.
What Is Silversmithing?
Silversmithing is the craft of shaping sterling silver into decorative or functional objects, including jewelry. Unlike mass-produced pieces, handmade jewelry involves working directly with raw silver and stones, often using time-honored techniques.
Silversmiths often work with gemstones like:
✔️ Turquoise – Known for its vivid blue and green tones.
✔️ White Buffalo – A striking white stone with black matrix.
✔️ Labradorite – A shimmering stone with a play of colors.
✔️ Onyx – Deep black and sleek, ideal for bold designs.
👉 Explore our Turquoise Collection, White Buffalo Collection, and Labradorite Jewelry.
Step 1: Designing the Jewelry
Every piece starts with a design. The silversmith sketches the layout, considering:
✔️ Stone Selection: Matching the stone’s size and shape to the piece.
✔️ Functionality: Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings have different requirements.
✔️ Balance: Ensuring the stone and silverwork complement each other.
Design is key to creating a piece that is both beautiful and wearable.
Step 2: Stone Selection and Preparation
The quality of the stone is central to the jewelry’s appeal. Commonly used stones include:
✔️ Turquoise: Carefully selected for color consistency and matrix.
✔️ Onyx: Chosen for depth of color and smoothness.
✔️ Labradorite: Valued for its iridescence, each stone is examined for maximum flash.
✔️ White Buffalo: Appreciated for its bold contrast and natural matrix.
Each stone is cut and polished to fit the design, a process that requires precision and patience.
👉 See fine examples in our Onyx Collection and White Buffalo Collection.
Step 3: Shaping the Silver
Silversmiths use sheets and wires of sterling silver as their base material. Techniques include:
✔️ Sawing and Cutting: Shapes are cut from silver sheets using fine jeweler’s saws.
✔️ Forming: Silver is bent, shaped, and hammered to create bezels, bands, and decorative elements.
✔️ Stamping: Traditional Native American jewelry often features stamped patterns, made with hand tools and hammers.
This step lays the foundation for the entire piece.
Step 4: Stone Setting
Once the silver is shaped, the stone is set into place. The most common setting for turquoise and similar stones is the bezel setting, where a thin strip of silver is wrapped around the stone’s edge to hold it securely.
✔️ Bezel Fit: The bezel is shaped to fit the stone exactly.
✔️ Securing the Stone: The silver is gently pushed over the stone’s edges for a snug fit.
✔️ Checking Stability: Each stone is tested to ensure it’s secure.
This method protects softer stones like turquoise from damage.
Step 5: Soldering and Assembly
Many pieces require multiple components (such as a pendant with a bail or a ring with decorative elements). These parts are soldered together using a torch and silver solder.
✔️ Precision: Careful heat control is essential to avoid damaging delicate silverwork or stones.
✔️ Cleanup: Once soldered, the piece is cleaned in a pickle solution to remove oxidation.
👉 Browse Sterling Silver Jewelry for stunning examples of handcrafted silverwork.
Step 6: Polishing and Finishing
The final steps bring out the beauty of both the silver and the stone:
✔️ Polishing: The piece is polished to a high shine or given a matte finish, depending on the design.
✔️ Oxidizing: Sometimes, areas of the silver are darkened to enhance texture and detail.
✔️ Final Inspection: Every element is checked to ensure the piece meets high craftsmanship standards.
Why Handcrafted Jewelry Matters
✔️ Uniqueness: No two handcrafted pieces are exactly alike.
✔️ Cultural Value: Traditional techniques preserve the heritage of Native American artisans.
✔️ Quality: Handmade jewelry often outlasts mass-produced counterparts thanks to better materials and workmanship.
When you wear handcrafted turquoise or gemstone jewelry, you carry a piece of living history.
Popular Styles of Handcrafted Jewelry
Handcrafted silversmithing is used to create:
✔️ Squash Blossom Necklaces: Traditional Navajo necklaces featuring turquoise.
✔️ Cuff Bracelets: Bold, durable designs with large stones.
✔️ Inlay Work: Stones like turquoise and onyx are cut into intricate patterns.
✔️ Earrings and Pendants: Lightweight and beautifully detailed.
👉 Discover unique designs in our Turquoise Necklaces and Turquoise Bracelets.
Conclusion
Silversmithing is an art that blends creativity, skill, and deep respect for materials. Whether it’s turquoise, white buffalo, labradorite, or onyx, each gemstone becomes something extraordinary when shaped by a talented hand. When you choose handcrafted jewelry, you're not just buying an accessory—you’re investing in tradition, culture, and true artistry.
Browse our collections to explore authentic, handcrafted pieces:
➡️ Turquoise Jewelry
➡️ White Buffalo Collection
➡️ Onyx Jewelry
➡️ Labradorite Jewelry
➡️ Sterling Silver Jewelry
Internal Links Recap:
➡️ Turquoise Collection
➡️ White Buffalo Collection
➡️ Labradorite Jewelry
➡️ Onyx Collection
➡️ Sterling Silver Jewelry