Silver Recycling and Ingot Making Workshop

This practical two-day workshop introduces jewellers and small-scale metalworkers to the essential skills of melting, pouring, and recycling silver using ingot-making techniques alongside an introduction to metallurgy. Understanding how metal behaves through heating, alloying, and reuse is a valuable workshop skill, helping makers work more sustainably and confidently with precious metals.Across the two days, you will learn how to safely melt scrap silver, pour clean ingots, and prepare recycled metal for further processes such as rolling, forging, and fabrication. We’ll look at the properties of silver alloys, discuss how heat affects metal structure, and explore ways to avoid common problems such as brittleness, cracking, and porosity.With just five participants, the workshop offers plenty of individual guidance in a supportive and focused environment.What will I make?During the workshop, you will create:

• A series of recycled silver ingots
• Rolled or forged samples made from your own recycled silver
• A collection of technical reference pieces showing both successful and unsuccessful pours

By the end of the two days, you will leave with a better understanding of silver recycling processes, alongside practical samples and techniques that you can continue using in your own workshop.What will I learn?This workshop will help you build confidence in:

• Safely melting and pouring silver ingots
• Preparing scrap silver for recycling and reuse
• Understanding silver alloys and metal composition
• The effects of heat, annealing, and work hardening on metal structure
• Identifying and avoiding porosity, firestain, and cracking
• Correct torch setup, crucible use, and safe handling of molten metal
• Preparing recycled ingots for rolling, forging, and fabrication

You will also be introduced to metallurgy principles relevant to jewellery making, including:

• Grain structure and how it affects metal behaviour
• The difference between casting grain, scrap, and alloyed metals
• How overheating impacts silver quality
• Why recycled metal can sometimes behave unpredictably
• Best practice for achieving clean, workable ingots
• Ways to improve consistency in recycled materials

By understanding both the practical and material side of recycling silver, you’ll gain a stronger technical foundation and more confidence in working independently with metal.What will happen during the workshop?The workshop combines tutor-led demonstrations with guided practical work throughout.Each process will be demonstrated step-by-step before you try it yourself at the bench, with support available throughout the workshop. Exercises are structured progressively, beginning with safe melting and handling techniques before moving on to controlled ingot pouring, metal preparation, and working recycled material into usable forms.There will also be time to ask questions, troubleshoot workshop problems, and discuss how these techniques could fit into your own practice.The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, encouraging careful working, safe habits, and growing confidence. With such a small group, you’ll receive plenty of individual guidance throughout the two days. Learn to safely melt, pour, and recycle silver with practical ingot-making techniques and an introduction to metallurgy for jewelers. Read more details