Fretwork or piercing work is sheet metal cut with a fine fretsaw. It can give the most intricate results. It is a relatively quick technique to use but it needs a good focus of attention when working on a small scale - a split second of distraction can spoil an intricate or symetrical pattern. I often work in two layers, cutting a pattern in the top layer then soldering on to another sheet of metal (Overlay), then oxidizing, or setting stones into the resessed shapes.
Oxidizing
Much of my work is darkened with an oxidizing solution (potassium sulfide or liver of sulphur) this leaves a dark grey colour on the surface of the silver, the top layer of the piece is then polished back to silver. This gives the contrast in the patterns.
Granulation
Granulation is the process of joining tiny balls of precious metal to a surface. When a tiny piece of silver is heated to melting point with a tip of a blow torch the metal pulls itself into a perfectly round ball. These grains or shot are called 'raindrops' in Native American metalwork.
Filigree/Wirework
Filigree or wirework is wire bent and soldered together. It can give strong but fine lace like results. Compared to fretwork it is much more time consuming. I taper each piece of wire to a point and then using different shapes and sizes of pliers bend the wire into spiraling shapes then solder the separate sections together.
Fretwork or piercing work is sheet metal cut with a fine fretsaw. It can give the most intricate results. It is a relatively quick technique to use but it needs a good focus of attention when working on a small scale - a split second of distraction can spoil an intricate or symetrical pattern. I often work in two layers, cutting a pattern in the top layer then soldering on to another sheet of metal (Overlay), then oxidizing, or setting stones into the resessed shapes.
Much of my work is darkened with an oxidizing solution (potassium sulfide or liver of sulphur) this leaves a dark grey colour on the surface of the silver, the top layer of the piece is then polished back to silver. This gives the contrast in the patterns.
Granulation is the process of joining tiny balls of precious metal to a surface. When a tiny piece of silver is heated to melting point with a tip of a blow torch the metal pulls itself into a perfectly round ball. These grains or shot are called 'raindrops' in Native American metalwork.
Filigree or wirework is wire bent and soldered together. It can give strong but fine lace like results. Compared to fretwork it is much more time consuming. I taper each piece of wire to a point and then using different shapes and sizes of pliers bend the wire into spiraling shapes then solder the separate sections together.