• argentariis

    "Argentariis" can be literally translated from Latin to mean "silversmiths". Unlike blacksmiths, silversmiths do not shape the metal while it is red-hot but instead, work it at room temperature with gentle and carefully placed hammer blows. The essence of silversmithing is to take a flat piece of metal and by means of different hammers, stakes and other simple tools, to transform it into a useful object.

    While silversmiths specialize in, and principally work, silver, they also work with other metals such as gold, copper, steel, and brass. They make jewelry, silverware, armor, vases, and other artistic items.

  • Silver

    Silver has been known since ancient times. Mentioned in the book of Genesis, slag heaps found in Asia Minor and on the islands of the Aegean Sea indicate that silver was being separated from lead as early as the 4th millennium BC.

    Recorded use of silver to prevent infection dates to ancient Greece and Rome, it was rediscovered in the Middle Ages, where it was used for several purposes, such as to disinfect water and food during storage, and also for the treatment of burns and wounds as wound dressing. In the 19th century, sailors on long ocean voyages would put silver coins in barrels of water and wine to keep the liquid pure. Pioneers in America used the same idea as they made their journey from coast to coast.

  • Our Studio

    Argentariis, our studio, is the amalgamation of years of smithing and design experience executed with simplicity and minimalism in mind. Unity, symmetry and balance.

    Our studios are located in Vancouver and Vernon, Canada. As of 2011 we have been smithing gold and silver for 20 years

    With the exception of a few of our finer chains, which we import from Italy, everything we make, we make by hand.

    We do occasionally take commissions. If you have an interesting project in mind, feel free to send us an email and we can talk about it.




  • Studios:

    19th Street Vernon BC Canada
    Davie Street Vancouver BC Canada

  • Contact

    Phone 250 545 3823

  • Master metalsmiths:

    Daniel Doucette
    Bo Svendsen