Metals, Gold and Silversmithing

The noble metal gold has the chemical element symbol Au, from the Latin aurum, meaning 'shining dawn'. The most malleable of the pure, precious metals, gold can be beaten, shaped, and easily alloyed with other materials, and doesn't suffer from tarnishing or oxidisation.

Silver, another chemical element, has the symbol Ag from the Latin argentum, with the root 'white; or 'shining'. Although it is harder than gold, silver is also a ductile metal, used in alloys such as Stiling Silver.

From coins, jewellery, ornaments, art, thread and even food and medicine, we have found uses for gold and silver for many thousands of years.

Featured Gold, Silversmithing and Metal Film