A goldsmith is a metalworker who specializes in working with precious metals, usually to make jewelry. Goldsmiths must be skilled in forming metal, through filing, soldering, forging, casting and polishing metal. Traditionally these skills are passed along through apprenticeships, however some schools have more recently begun offering courses in goldsmithing. Today it also more common for a goldsmith to study art or architecture as a way to reflect on jewelry and its social implications.

At one time, the name was synonymous with banker, since they dealt in gold and had sufficient security for the safe storage of valuable items.

Goldsmith: A metalworker concerned especially with pieces of jewelry and fine decorative utensils of gold, silver, copper, bronze and iron. (Brepohl, 2001, xiv)

See also

• Gold as an investment

Goldsmiths

Goldschmied | Gullsmed | Guldsmed