Business Événements Published at 09 April 2025

Silversmithing: Expertise, Challenges, and Knowledge Transmission at Bijorhca

Less well-known than other craft professions, silversmithing is nonetheless a trade of the future, as Eric Despierre from the house of Christofle reminded us, alongside spokespersons from GRETA.

For nearly two decades now, the fashion and luxury industries have been concerned about the potential disappearance of what is referred to as "Métiers d'Art". Beyond preserving "savoir-faire", it also ensures their transmission and maintains beauty in our surroundings. While this topic is frequently discussed in the context of fashion, it is less so when it comes to silversmithing. It’s also the opinion of Eric Despierre, Head of Knowledge Transmission at Christofle, a "House of Tableware Silversmithing since 1830." Alongside him are Natacha Raguet and Isabelle Gerard, representatives of GRETA (Groupement d'Établissements), an organization offering training in artistic crafts. Together, they spoke at Bijhorca's talk space on the theme "Silversmithing: An Ancestral Art with the Test of Time - Challenges and Issues in Knowledge Transmission.

Silversmithing: A Passionate Craft with 195 Years of History


Eric Despierre is a man of passion, which perhaps explains his ability to summarize the history of silversmithing without losing his audience—even those unfamiliar with the subject. He has worked at Christofle for 40 years, starting in the workshops specializing in steel engraving before becoming a silversmith and overseeing knowledge transmission. "It's essential to pass on to the next generation to preserve intangible heritage. We can't lose these experiences, but recruiting is a challenge. In France, there are no longer any schools dedicated to silversmithing. So, it must be done internally. Generational transition involves not only passing down skills but also fostering the emergence of new ideas," he explains. To achieve this, he highlights the importance of mentorship, which creates bonds, facilitates learning in a trust-based environment, helps develop skills, and allows people to evolve under the guidance of someone who adapts their teaching approach. He also emphasizes silversmithing is an ancestral and modern art: "We've created a digital database and are producing tutorial videos to preserve techniques. This speeds up skill acquisition while encouraging talent and helping individuals develop. We aim to foster a culture of sharing," he adds.

GRETA opens France's first silversmithing school


"Silversmithing lacks formal training, so GRETA CDMA (an organization with 50 years of expertise) has created a program set to open in September 2025, aimed at adults and professionals within companies seeking to upskill," explains Natacha Raguet. "The goal is to enable the transmission and preservation of these trades, ensuring that silversmithing businesses endure and continue to excel in their craft." 

For Eric Despierre, who is involved in setting up this training, schools play a critical role in artistic crafts. He explains: "There are no longer silversmithing schools, so naturally, the transition must occur within companies. Consequently, when art schools aim to create training programs, the houses become active participants. It's in everyone's interest to do so if we want to attract new talent and fresh faces." The school will open its doors in Carré Saint Cyr, Normandy, recognized as a "City of Art and Craftsmanship." Here, students can obtain a CAP (Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle) in silversmithing. "The first program to open will be a CAP specializing in polishing, followed by specializations in fashion jewelry and leather goods coloration," explains Isabelle Gerard. GRETA ensures that its training programs are designed based on the local ecosystem. "Currently, there are no dedicated silversmithing schools in France—or at least not with the specialization we've chosen, namely polishing," explains Eric Despierre. "Why polishing? Because it's a key skill not only in silversmithing but also in luxury faucet-making and jewelry. When you reach the level of artistic crafts, you realize these skills apply across various fields." See you in September!

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