Goldsmith.Silversmith.Artist

Restoration and Conservation

Background

Over the years I have worked with collectors, antique dealers, jewelry stores, and museums all over the United States.

My work has included restoration and conservation

of Paul Revere, Paul Storr, Fabergé, and other famous

as well as lesser known Goldsmiths and Silversmiths.

Restoration: Keeping Memories Alive

Restoring Gold and Silver Art Objects is part of my work. I have to remind people, " I create artworks too!"

Having been a Silversmith and Goldsmith for many years, I acquired the expertise and knowledge to repair and conserve these historic and valuable works of art.

Each job has a unique--and often fascinating!--story.

I think of the family that wanted their tea service restored after a tornado ripped through their house, bringing destruction in its path. The Mother survived thankfully, but the tea service was crushed. The family was grateful to have the service restored, given all the memories it brought them.

Conservation: Keeping History Alive

Mackay Silver Candelabrum from the silver collection at the University of Nevada at Reno arrived to my studio with an armed guard and the curator of the Mackay Silver. Working with an Armed Guard, is not the perfect working conditions, but I sure felt safe handling such a valuable art object.

Silver King John W. Mackay (1831-1902) commissioned Tiffany & Company of New York to design and produce a silver service for his wife Marie-Louise. The result was a 1250 piece set of sterling silver dinner and dessert service for twenty-four. It was from the Comstock Lode (silver mine) and was completed in 1878.

Noteworthy details: Charles Grosjean of Tiffany designed the service and Edward C. Moore supervised the project. In his volume Tiffany Silver, Charles Carpenter notes that this silver service is the largest and elegant--not to mention the most famous--silver service of its time. It is a hallmark of Victorian America silver.

To see Mackey Collection, go to:

http://www.unr.edu/keck/mackay-silver-collection

coin silver presentation speaking trumpet restored by Ruth Rhoten

Dress Armor, Shield, and stand, restored for the library

Cast new silver handles and ground stainless steel to fit new handles.

Clock conservation for clock from the salon dore from the Hotel de la Tremoille: Legion of Honor

Rare Vanderslice Cruet Set restored by Ruth Rhoten

Details of restoration; before and after of the Fire Trumpet

Silver Fire Department

Speaking Trumpet

Presented to Michael Hines

On April 9, 1853

By the Torrent Fire Company No. 5

Mobile, Alabama

22inches high by 71/2inches wide at base

Suit of Armor Restored and Mounted in Library.

Make antique grape cutter work for today using old and new parts combined.

Clock for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Salon Doré

Imperial Lilies-of-the-Valley Basket – (St. Petersburg, 1896); Fabergé’s floral masterpiece

Two Bracelets taken apart to remove dents.

Bracelets together again.

"Divi" Repaired tears and cut stones for lost ones.

Early American Cruet Set.

Sterling Coffee Pot restored from impossible dent.

Rare Vanderslice Cruet Set. It was made in San Francisco in 1858. Style is Renaissance Revival

11 - 12

Coin Silver Center piece made in San Francisco. Trade mark is shown and Ruth Rhoten repairing tilt of female figure.

Art of Ruth Rhoten

Ruth Rhoten is a Goldsmith and Silversmith who is inspired by nature. She creates pieces reflecting the earth’s beauty.

Her expertise ranges from original one-of-a-kind pieces to limited editions in Gold and Silver. Commissions for jewelery and sculpture are always welcome.

Contact Her: 510-798-2734 ruth@ruthrhoten.com