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About Us
By Jim Breakell My apprenticeship as a silversmith began in Newport, Rhode Island, home of traditional craftsman since colonial times. I worked in a small shop specializing in the restoration of antique silver pieces but my interest soon turned to creating my own designs. In 1972 I opened my first shop and began making one of a kind pieces. I learned the new techniques I needed by trial and error. As soon as one new skill was mastered, I would try another until I felt confident enough in my abilities to offer a wide variety of designs in sterling and 14 karat gold. We outgrew our old workshop (at one point I worked out of my basement) and moved to larger quarters, out grew those quarters and moved yet again. I now have a small staff of talented and specially trained silversmiths. My work has been featured in shows and articles and, most recently, in the National Archives. The skills perfected in those early years are used every day to produce an extensive collection of silver and gold designs inspired by nature and New England's rich maritime heritage. My workshop is still here in Newport but the jewelry is shipped to thousands of customers in all the states and many countries. Our Craft We make most of our jewelry using the lost wax casting method, a technique that has been in use for thousands of years. An original carving is made in metal or hard wax. A rubber mold is made of the carving and molten wax is injected into the mold to make a perfect wax replica. The replica is then encased in a plaster-like material. The plaster casing is heated over a long period at high temperatures until the wax inside vaporizes. What is left is a hollow mold into which molten silver or gold is shot using centrifugal force. When cooled, the mold is broken open to release the metal piece. A new wax replica must be made for every piece. Other designs are cut, hammered and formed entirely by hand. Every piece is carefully hand polished. No plating or lacquer is used. Visit Our Shop J.H. Breakell & Co. is located at: 128 Spring Street Newport, RI 02840 401-849-0195 Open Year Round, Monday through Saturday 9-5 and Sundays 12-5 |
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Order by Phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-767-6411 Customer Service is available Monday thur Friday 9-5 EST: 1-800-794-4518 or 401-849-3522 JH Breakell & Co Retail Store, 128 Spring St, Newport, RI 02840 phone # 401-849-0195 Store hours Monday - Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 12-5
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