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Hammered
Wrought silver can refer to silver which has been hammered or beaten until it is flat, smooth and thin. Once the metal is thin enough it can be shaped into such items as rings or bracelets. The process of hammering and beating the metal can also create an even texture.
Decorative
The term wrought silver also refers to silver items that are elaborately or delicately detailed. Very fine silver items, such as jewelry, bowls or even high-quality silverware, often includes intricate work that has been carefully shaped to create specific designs. Wrought silver jewelry is also commonly shaped around gems and precious stones that are planned to fit into the piece so the stone appears as one part of an overall design.
Hand Wrought
Jewelry, trays and other such items are often labeled as hand wrought. Once the silver becomes thin enough, through hammering or beating, it is possible to shape the metal into simple forms or to engrave various decorations into the object through the use of handheld tools. On occasion however silver pieces that are marketed as hand wrought are not actually created by hand and the label is more of a selling point than a sign of labor.
Other Wrought Metals
While the term "wrought" may apply to anything that has been carefully crafted, made elaborate or beaten into shape, most commonly it used to describe a type of iron alloy that was used primarily before the easy accessibility of steel. Wrought iron is characterized by a grain, fibrous texture and is more easily welded and rust-resistant then steel. Perhaps the most visible example of a wrought iron structure is the Effiel Tower in Paris, France, where the iron lattice of the monument is ornately decorated and left bare so the texture can be seen.