David Alderson grew up in South Dakota where he learned silversmithing.
From his website: “Alderson’s first project was a ring – a Mother’s Day gift for his mom. He got a pretty stone and set it in a ring. He even ornamented the piece with some gold he had panned in a South Dakota creek. Finally, it was finished, and he set off for home afoot to present his gift to his mother. “I lost it on the way home,” Alderson recalls with a smile. “Fell right out of my pocket.” Retracing his steps, Alderson found the ring. It had been run over by a car, but he fixed it up and his mom still has the ring.”
In 1978 his family moved to California where he was introduced to his Uncle Don Moe and Gordon Hayes, owner of Bits of Silver. He quickly found employment there and stayed for 10 years, then worked for other silversmiths and finally opened his own shop in 1989.
After leaving Bits of Silver, Alderson did silver work for jewelry stores and Bob Schaezlein. Because he worked under someone else’s name for over 25 years, Alderson’s personal reputation as an exceptional craftsman was slow in coming. Ernie Marsh, a founding member of the TCAA, recognized the beauty and quality of Alderson’s work and encouraged him to apply for membership in that prestigious association. His bid was successful and the talent of the boy who loved beautiful things from the earth was finally recognized. David was selected as a member of the prestigious Traditional Cowboy Arts Association in 2002.
He is especially interested in firearms engraving is considered one of the best in the world at it.
Again from his website: “Today Alderson works from his home in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he turns out exquisite silver pieces. His work is prized for its fins hand engraving that is remarkably three-dimensional. He credits his longtime partner Debora Easterday for his success. he says of Debora, “She took me seriously and encouraged me. That meant a lot.”
I highly recommend his work!
You can get more information about David at his official website HERE.