Goldsmith Hammer vs Silversmith Hammer: Which to Buy First?

For most bench jewellers focusing on smaller, intricate work with precious metals, a goldsmith hammer is the more versatile and immediate purchase, offering precision for delicate tasks like riveting and fine repoussé.

At a glance

Goldsmith hammer Silversmith hammer
Primary use Fine repoussé, riveting, small forming Raising, planishing, forging hollowware
Best for Delicate work Heavy forming
Avoid when Heavy gauge metal Fine detail work
Price tier ££ £££
Buy first if Working with small pieces Making hollowware

How Goldsmith hammer works

The goldsmith hammer, typically weighing between 50-150g, is engineered for precision and control. Its shorter handle provides a balanced feel, making it ideal for the delicate work often encountered when fabricating jewellery from precious metals. Bench jewellers reach for this tool when undertaking fine repoussé, setting rivets, or gently forming small components. The lighter head allows for controlled, nuanced strikes, preventing overworking or damaging thin-gauge materials. Its design prioritises accuracy and feel, making it an extension of the hand for intricate manipulations rather than brute force.

How Silversmith hammer works

In contrast, the silversmith hammer is a powerhouse, ranging from 200g to over 1000g. Its substantial weight and longer handle are purposefully designed for the demanding tasks of raising, planishing, and forging silver hollowware. The increased mass delivers significant kinetic energy, essential for moving larger volumes of metal efficiently and effectively. When shaping a vessel or removing hammer marks from a broad surface, the silversmith hammer provides the necessary impact and reach. It’s a tool built for leverage and power, allowing the maker to achieve dramatic forms and smooth finishes on larger pieces.

Side-by-side at the bench

The most immediate difference a jeweller will notice at the bench is the sheer weight and balance. A goldsmith hammer feels nimble and precise, almost like a drawing tool, allowing for subtle taps and controlled forming on small components. Its compact head geometry is perfect for reaching into tight spaces or creating intricate textures. The silversmith hammer, however, commands respect with its heft. Its longer handle provides the leverage needed for powerful, sweeping strokes across larger surfaces, making quick work of raising a bowl or planishing a tray. While a goldsmith hammer excels at fine detailing and delicate shaping on small pieces, a silversmith hammer is genuinely better for moving significant amounts of metal and achieving smooth, even surfaces on hollowware. Using a goldsmith hammer for raising would be inefficient and tiring; conversely, a silversmith hammer would be overkill and potentially damaging for setting small rivets or fine repoussé.

Common use cases

  • Fine Repoussé: Goldsmith hammer wins; its lighter weight and precise control allow for intricate detailing on small surfaces.
  • Setting Rivets: Goldsmith hammer wins; the smaller head and lighter strike prevent distortion of delicate components.
  • Raising a Small Bowl: Silversmith hammer wins; its weight and leverage efficiently move metal for forming hollowware.
  • Planishing a Flat Sheet: Silversmith hammer wins; the heavier head and longer reach cover larger areas quickly and effectively.

Price and value

The price of hammers in this category varies significantly, typically reflecting the quality of materials, manufacturing precision, and brand reputation. Goldsmith hammers generally sit in the mid-range (££), with professional-grade options offering superior balance and hardened faces for longevity. Silversmith hammers, particularly those designed for raising and planishing, often fall into the higher price tier (£££) due to their larger size, substantial material requirements, and specialised head geometries. While cheaper options (£) exist for both, investing in a mid-to-high-tier hammer ensures better ergonomics, consistent performance, and durability, which translates to less fatigue and better results over years of use. Value lies in matching the tool's quality to the demands of your specific craft.

Our pick at the bench

For a beginner or a production jeweller primarily working with smaller jewellery pieces, the goldsmith hammer is unequivocally the better first purchase. Its versatility for tasks like riveting, light forming, and fine chasing makes it indispensable for everyday bench work on rings, pendants, and earrings. If your focus is on creating larger hollowware, such as bowls, vessels, or larger decorative items, then a silversmith hammer is the essential starting point. For the specialist working across both disciplines, acquiring both is the ideal. However, if you must choose one, consider your primary output: small, intricate jewellery demands a goldsmith hammer first; large, formed hollowware demands a silversmith hammer first.

Tools we stock for this

Browse the full JT catalogue for related bench tools, or read more comparisons on the Bench Journal.