Goldsmiths and silversmiths work in workshops and/or shops designing, developing and making jewelery. They also work with precious stones, artifacts and practical objects made of gold and silver, and develop ideas from start to a finished product. Goldsmiths and silversmiths provide various types of consultation and customer service, as well as sales and marketing. Goldsmithing and silversmithing is a certified trade.

Goldsmiths and silversmiths also work with other metals, such as nickel, copper, brass, platinum and titanium. The metal is processed into molds by various methods and ornaments are burned into the piece, if applicable. The surface is finished by grinding and sanding, hammering or digging into a pattern.