Metalsmithing vs. Jewelry Making: What's the Difference?

If you've been searching for classes and wondering whether to look for "metalsmithing" or "jewelry-making," you're not alone. The two terms get used interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same thing. Here's a quick breakdown.

Jewelry-Making is the Broad Category

Jewelry-making refers to any process used to create wearable pieces: rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. It's the umbrella term that covers everything from stringing beads to casting molten metal.

Metalsmithing (Silversmithing) is a Specific Discipline Within Jewelry-Making

Metalsmithing (silversmithing) refers specifically to working with metal: cutting, shaping, soldering, and forming it by hand using tools like torches, hammers, files, and flex shafts. It's one of the most versatile and rewarding forms of jewelry-making because the techniques you learn apply to almost any style of piece.

What About Other Techniques?

Jewelry-making also includes techniques like lapidary (cutting and polishing gemstones), enameling (fusing glass to metal), lost wax casting (creating pieces from wax models), and more. At B Golden Jewelry School, we teach all of these, often in combination.

Which Class Should You Take?

If you're brand new, our Intro to Metalsmithing (silversmithing) class is the best starting point. You'll learn foundational skills: sawing, filing, soldering, and stone setting, that open the door to every other technique we teach.

Not sure which class is right for you? Browse all our jewelry-making classes, or reach out, and we'll help you find the perfect fit.