Metal – Silversmithing
INTENT
Work should exhibit an understanding and respect for the properties of the materials and should demonstrate the skillful manipulation of basic materials in producing the object.
DESIGN
Jewellery items made of a combination of metal and non-metal elements, must be made to the quality standards for metal jewellery where applicable.
PRODUCTION QUALITY AND TECHNIQUE
Cast items must be properly finished to eliminate casting marks, sprues, bubbles, voids, inclusions, flashing, etc.
Edges should be smooth and well finished.
Finishes, whether highly polished or textured, should be uniform and demonstrate adequate control of the technique.
Functional elements must be strong, operate properly and must be securely and neatly attached to the piece.
Findings, either commercial or handmade, must be solidly attached to the piece with solders or other mechanical means where possible (rivets, screws, etc.). If epoxy or other adhesives are used, they must be durable and neatly applied without excess or overrun.
All items must have ‘safe’ edges, which may be folded, rolled, or wired
All soldered, riveted, brazed, or welded seams or joints must be free of drips, runs, burrs or other ragged protrusions.
SOURCE
The object must be designed and fabricated by the applying maker. Since, in reproduction, there is no design input, the onus of judgment is upon technical skill alone. Copying currently produced work is not acceptable. While giving a sense of historical context from which a traditional adaptation has come, the pieces should clearly reflect a personal interpretation.
MATERIAL USED
Materials used in producing metal items must be selected with consideration of durability, wearability and customer maintenance and cleaning.
FABRICATED CONTENT
Commercial findings are acceptable but must be unobtrusive and should not constitute a major design element of the piece. Findings should also be of an appropriate quality. Jewellery made by assembling manufactured or found elements without substantial manipulation (crafting) is not acceptable. Commercially cut gemstones are acceptable but must be of good quality, properly set, and an integral part of the overall design of the piece.
LABELLING
Because of size restrictions in some instances, information may be supplied on an accompanying card or insert. If used, karat and sterling marks or signs must be accompanied by the makers’ registered trademark. In addition, see General.
Metal - Additional Considerations
Chainmaille
INTENT
To reflect the intended use and thoughtfulness in the creation of unique and skillfully crafted beaded objects of contemporary and traditional forms.
DESIGN
Chainmaille has a history that dates back to 500BC. Chainmaille as jewelry using different weaves and types of metal rings has been more recent. Careful designing must clearly reflect the intended use of the piece while respecting the craft tradition.
PRODUCTION QUALITY AND TECHNIQUE
Work must reflect excellent craftsmanship, either as a “one-of-a-kind” or a production piece and should show a unique/personal identity of design.
Base materials should be of high quality and appropriate for the end use.
Rings do not have to be soldered but must close completely with ends matching up. No gaps or rough edges and no misalignment.
Each piece to be well finished and chains should be dense but flexible.
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
In the reproduction of a traditional styles of chainmaille, the onus of judgment is upon technical skill alone. While giving a sense of the historical context from which a traditional adaptation has come, the pieces should clearly reflect a personal style.
MATERIAL USED
Materials should be appropriate to the intent of the finished pieces. Material should be of fine quality as to reflect the quality of the finished work. Work must demonstrate a high level of technical skill and clear understanding of the materials used. Type of metal used should be clearly stated with the piece.
Tinware
DESIGN
Thoughtful designing should exhibit a unique visual appearance reflecting the maker. Tinware must be easily identifiable as to its intent. The intent may be classified into three categories:
Whimsical
Decorative
Utilitarian
None of these three forms of intent should be hybridized – an example being a bird bath shaped like a coffee pot. All objects submitted must reflect extensive research and sound knowledge in their forms of intent.
PRODUCTION QUALITY AND TECHNIQUE
All component parts of any one item must show consistent alignment within that item.
Finish and gauge of material used must be consistent with the intended use (i.e. an indoor or outdoor lantern).
A decorative paint finish on tinware is traditional and is encouraged. Though this decorative finish need not be done by the maker of the item, it must nevertheless reflect an equally high artistic standard.