THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER
Unearth the Rich Legacy, Timeless Craftsmanship, and Modern Appeal of Welsh Silver Jewellery
Wales has a rich and enduring tradition of making precious metal jewellery and wearable metal items dating back to pre-Roman times. The Romans, attracted to Wales's rich heritage in metalwork, began mining here around AD 74. Over time, Welsh gold has become one of the rarest and most prestigious types of gold globally.
However, in the medieval period, Wales' silverwork industry flourished as people sought to bring silver into their homes. The sought-after metal was desirable for household items such as spoons, goblets, and decorative pieces.
In 1300, the hallmarking system was introduced to authenticate items. During this time silversmithing across Britain became more commercialised.
Centuries Later, Swansea embraced the Art Deco movement of the 20s and 30s, with its jewellery makers following suit, leading to boldly geometric designs and streamlined to match the fashion of the time. While Swansea has a proud history, its artists often take inspiration from the Gower Peninsula's natural beauty and rugged coastlines, combining the area's culture, history, and surroundings to create timeless bespoke pieces.
Alongside the Art Deco movement, the early 20th century saw a craft revival across Britain as people began to value the importance of handmade items following the Industrial Revolution. This has been mirrored in a recent trend of people purchasing antique or bespoke jewellery in search of unique styles or timeless designs of exceptional quality.
Across the UK, the jewellery market has experienced recent growth, with the annual turnover of jewellery made in the UK eclipsing £1.2 billion for the first time in 2021, a significant increase from previous years. The UK market is expected to generate a revenue of £45 billion in 2025, with experts expecting continued growth of more than 13% until 2030.
Although Swansea's jewellery industry is relatively small compared to other hubs across the UK, it benefits from a niche market appeal and strong craftsmanship. Most of Swansea's silversmiths have been trained locally, and there are courses available for people to try at Gower College and UWTSD. However, the industry is a collective interconnection of jewellers, woodworkers and other artisans who have met through the industry or sell alongside one another at markets across Swansea.
Thirty Pieces Of Silver
Are you ready to discover timeless elegance? Looking to explore the beauty and craftsmanship of Welsh silver in a story-rich and inspiring setting?
