He founded the Society of American Silversmiths.
(Press Release) Finicky and obsessive. That’s how Jeffrey Herman describes his relationship with silver, forged over the course of nearly 40 years of smithing.
Herman founded the Society of American Silversmiths in 1989 to preserve and promote the silversmithing arts. He even acts as an advisor to the International Institute of Modern Butlers — a group whose reputation is staked on the fastidious care of pedigreed silver. In other words, if metalsmithing canonized its most devout practitioners, Herman would be the the Patron Saint of Patinaed Silver.
Herman is the subject of a “For the Love of Jewelers” digital storytelling piece, one in a series created by Rio Grande to celebrate the work of independent American jewelers and metalsmiths. Previous editions have featured well-known jewelers and metalsmiths such as Ronda Coryell, Shane Hendren and G. Phil Poirier.
From its home base at riojeweler.com, “For the Love of Jewelers” blends several mediums — including writing, video, photography and an interactive “studio tour” experience — to catalog Herman’s contributions to silversmithing. Ever the advocate of his craft, Herman also shares a few of his favorite bench tips in a series of short, informative videos developed in partnership with Rio Grande.
Working out of his Rhode Island studio and home, Herman is considered one of the country’s foremost authorities on repairing, restoring and conserving antique and historical silver. Herman’s website, hermansilver.com, is a treasure trove of advice, topics and techniques related to all things silver. It is updated constantly to reflect the latest developments in better, safer care for silver and the artists who handle it.
To interact with the “For the Love of Jewelers” piece on Herman, visit: www.riojeweler.com/jewelers/jeffrey-herman.
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Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
