Guide to Semi-Precious Stones: Characteristics, Symbolism, and Perfect Combinations
Thanks to their variety and versatility, semi-precious gemstones offer endless possibilities for creating captivating pieces of jewellery that suit every individual style. But what are semi-precious stones, and how do they differ from precious stones? In this helpful guide to discovering semi-precious stones, we answer some of the most common questions on the topic, highlighting their characteristics and symbolic meanings and recommending the best combinations to suit individual tastes.
Silver in the history of metalworking
Silversmithing dates back to antiquity due to its ductility and versatility. The Sumerians, the peoples of Mesopotamia and those of the Near East mainly used it to make grave goods.
With the Phoenicians' explorations, silver spread to the Etruscans and the Greeks. Later, the Romans used this precious metal to mint coins that circulated throughout the Empire, while the Incas used it to produce ornamental objects.
After the discovery of America and the import of large quantities of raw and manufactured silver to Europe, its value declined in comparison to that of gold. However, it was during the Renaissance that the silver masterpieces of the most famous artists of the time were created: Brunelleschi, Benvenuto Cellini, Pollaiolo, Verrocchio and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
In later centuries, silver was used to decorate religious buildings and reception rooms in stately palaces and the homes of the wealthy. This led to the creation of the stunning candelabra, picture frames, cutlery, tea and coffee services that still grace contemporary homes today.
At the same time, silver jewellery continued to adorn the body in many cultures, and today enjoys renewed appreciation for its lunar lustre, often paired with white gold and rose gold. Recent jewellery trends have rediscovered the value in handcrafted silver jewellery, created by skilled Italian craftsmen, making it popular abroad as well.
Handmade jewellery: small works of art that defy time
The allure of handmade silver jewellery continues to attract a growing number of people, captivated by its luminous reflections and amazed by the attention to detail in the workmanship.
These unique creations are preferred to mass-produced jewellery made using industrial technologies and inferior materials for several reasons: the desire to wear a unique piece that adds a touch of elegance and style to everyday life, and the recognition of the skill of local silversmiths and the vibrant creativity of Italian designers.
The charm and uniqueness of handcrafted silver jewellery lies not only in the design and aesthetics, but also in the complex creation process that brings them to life. Each piece is the result of craftsmanship that combines tradition and innovation. In order to fully understand the value of these small works of art, we need to explore the stages of silversmithing, a process that transforms the raw metal into jewellery of extraordinary beauty and quality.
The stages of silversmithing
How is the silver worked? This is a fascinating and complex process that starts with an instinctive vision, from the first sketches on paper to the final piece of jewellery. This ancient process, safeguarded and handed down through the centuries by artisan workers, involves range of different skills that come together to bring unique creations to life.
1. Idea, design and project
Everything stems from an idea. This creative spark comes from the mind of the Maison's founder, architect and designer Giovanni Raspini, who draws inspiration from details of the plant and animal world, architectural elements and beauty in general. These insights are distilled and selected, with only some being transformed into sketches on paper, using Indian ink and watercolours.
Subsequently, the project takes shape with a careful analysis of the metal, of the semi-precious stones that could be used and their possible combinations, and of the volume and weight of the jewellery in order to create a prototype. The choice of the most appropriate techniques is crucial to ensure an end result that reflects the original vision and achieves the highest possible quality.
2. Modelling the jewellery in wax or metal
Modelling begins by shaping a prototype in coloured wax, an operation that is carried out by adding drops of liquid wax, one after the other, which are then skilfully modelled to create a veritable micro-sculpture, created to be 5% larger than the final product. This model is then inserted into a structure (cylinder) into which liquid plaster is poured. For some processes, the prototype can be made from metal.
3. Lost-wax casting (microcasting)
During the casting process, the wax inside the now hardened mould melts and is thus 'lost', subsequently replaced by molten silver that fills the spaces left vacant. Once cooled and freed from the plaster, the product, now called the cast, is extracted and freed from the channels through which the wax and then the metal flowed; ready for the next step
4. Silversmith cleaning
This process takes place in several steps: the raw piece goes through a series of different processes in which all plaster residue is first removed, then it is smoothed with cutters and chisels, polished with increasingly fine abrasive paper, and finally washed ultrasonically, leaving the piece of jewellery perfectly smooth and shiny.
5. Assembly
At this stage, the stones and pearls are carefully set, and the individual elements of the jewellery are joined together by mounting or soldering, forming the final composition, typical of handcrafted silver and semi-precious stone jewellery.
6. Burnishing the silver
In some processes, the piece is immersed in a chemical-enriched electroplating bath, giving it an antiqued look that appears extraordinarily natural and that characterises the typical chiaroscuro look of these products. This is why some silver is jewellery is called "burnished".
7. Brushing the silver
The jewellery undergoes a final brushing using small, soft bristles to reach even the smallest crevices and remove any residue, ensuring a flawless finish.
8. Final quality control
After stamping, the jewellery undergoes a rigorous quality control. Only pieces that meet the high quality standards of Maison Giovanni Raspini, free of defects or anomalies, are offered for sale.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of silversmithing in the Maison. Follow every stage of the process, step by step, and discover how silver is worked with the art and craftsmanship that transforms this precious metal into extraordinary jewellery.
Who works the silver at Maison Raspini?
The absolute stars of this treasured craftsmanship are the local silversmiths, custodians of a heritage of technical and manual skills rooted in the rich tradition of Tuscan metalworking. These master artisans make each piece of silver jewellery by hand, breathing passion and dedication into every step of the creative process.
With meticulous attention to detail, the expert artisans at Maison Giovanni Raspini combine traditional techniques with a steady focus on innovation and contemporary aesthetic tastes. Each piece is a testimony to the skill and ingenuity that distinguish the silversmith's art, transforming precious metal into true works of art.
Why choose the incomparable allure of handcrafted silver jewellery
Choosing handcrafted silver jewellery means embracing a heritage of tradition and innovation, where each piece tells a unique story of craftsmanship and passion. These pieces of jewellery are not mere accessories, but genuine works of art that express the value of handcrafted pieces and attention to detail.
There are many reasons why people prefer handmade jewellery:
- The uniqueness of the design: Each piece of jewellery is made entirely in Italy, reflecting unparalleled creativity and striking aesthetics.
- The meticulous workmanship: Italian silversmiths pay meticulous attention to every step of the process, ensuring that every detail is perfectly executed..
- The purity of the metals: We use 925 silver, prized for its purity and durability, combined with high-quality stones that add a touch of colour and refinement.
- Long-lasting wear: This jewellery is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, maintaining its beauty and integrity over the years.
- The symbolic and emotional value: Each piece carries a special meaning, becoming a treasured personal piece that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Wearing handcrafted silver jewellery is an authentic and sophisticated way to express your style, celebrating the beauty and cultural heritage of the Italian art of silversmithing.
Succumb to the temptation of the Giovanni Raspini jewellery collections, where tradition meets innovation to create truly inspiring and enchanting pieces.
