Glossary
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| Alginate |
An organic based moldmaking material used to
recreate forms in wax for subsequent use in casting. |
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| Amalgamation |
The ancient process of mixing a fine metal with mercury to create
a paste. The mercury is driven off after the paste is applied, to
create a film or inlay of metal. The process has been largely replaced
by electroplating, though it is still used in dental inlay. |
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| Annealing |
The process of using heat to relieve stresses within a metal. At
a heat usually near 2/3rds of the metal's melting point, recrystallization
occurs, creating a more flexible alignment among the crystals. |
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| Anodizing |
This refers to the use of a current of electricity to affect the
surface of a metal. Its most common usage is in aluminum anodizing
or the coloring of reactive metals such as niobium or titanium. The
term comes from the negative pole of an electrical circuity, the anode. |
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| Anticlastic
raising |
The effect of stretching the edges of a sheet while compressing
its center. Unlike synclastic raising, in which both the x- and y-axis
are curved in the same direction, in this process the two axes curve
away from each other in opposite directions. |
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| Bezel |
A rim of metal that surrounds and secures a stone. They may be
of any size and can be either decorated or plain. |
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| Brazing |
The joining of metals with solder at a high temperature. The term
is often used to refer to the use of brass as a solder for steel. |
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| Burn out |
That part of the lost wax casting process in which the mold is
evacuated of its model by extreme heat, generally in a kiln. |
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| Chasing |
An ancient process in which steel tools and a hammer are used to
press recesses into a sheet for decorative purposes. It is also used
to refine details on the surface of a cast form. |
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| Depletion
Gilding |
The process of creating a skin of relatively pure metal by leaching
out alloy constituents in an acidic bath. |
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| Die
Forming |
A versatile process often used in industry, in which a metal sheet
is given form by pressing it between two rigid dies. |
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| Diffusion |
The gradual mixing of crystals from two pieces of metal. Welding,
for instance, is the result of diffusion. |
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| Electroforming | A technical process in which a matrix is suspended in a bath
of free metal
ions, that are then influenced to attach themselves because of the creation of
a flow of electricity, generally provided by a rectifier. |
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| Engraving |
An ancient process in which small steel tools are used to carve
away bits of metal, either to create a pattern, to form letters, or
to create a desired surface texture. |
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| Etching |
The process of using acids or strong chemicals to selectively corrode
or eat away at a metal object. When etching is used to eat completely
through a metal sheet the process is called chemical milling. |
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| Eutectic |
The lowest solidification temperature of an alloy or a metal. Also
defined as the point at which the metal goes most directly from liquid
to a solid. |
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| Findings |
Originally the bits and pieces taken from recycled objects by silversmiths
(who later "found" a use for them). Today the term includes
all manner of attachments that contribute to the function of a jewelry
piece, such as earwires, pin backs and so on. |
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| Firescale |
An oxide of copper that forms within sterling and gold alloys.
It is created and enlarged by high temperatures for a protracted time,
particularly in the presence of free oxygen. It appears as a purple
stain. |
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| Flux |
Any of a number of chemicals used to prevent the formation of oxides
during soldering and melting. |
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| Fusing |
The semi-controlled melting of a number of pieces to create interesting
forms, most successfully done with precious metals. |
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| Granulation |
Historically this refers to a decorative process of applying thousands
of very tiny beads to a metal surface to create patterns or figures.
In the studio the term also refers to the joining process developed
to create the almost invisible bonds associated with this technique.
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| Heat
hardening |
The process of fostering crystalline regularity by soaking a metal
at a specific heat for an extended time. The absence of vacancies
and irregularities render the metal more rigid than it would be otherwise.
Though clinically possible for precious metals, the controls required
are generally beyond most studios. |
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| Hollow
core |
A casting process used to create hollow forms such as beads or works
that would be prohibitively heavy (and costly) otherwise. |
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| Investment
soldering |
The use of a silica-plaster material to secure pieces for soldering.
The technique is especially useful when dealing with intricate objects
and when many components are being joined at once. |
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| Liver
of Sulfur |
Potassium sulfide, a compound dissolved in water to create a patina
on sterling and copper. |
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| Mallets |
Hammerlike tools of a relatively soft material used to shape a
metal without severely thinning it. Typical materials are wood, leather,
horn and plastic. |
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| Mandrels |
Tools used to provide a surface against which a softer metal may
be formed. The most common varieties are identified by names related
to their sizes, as in bezel mandrel, ring mandrel and bracelet mandrel. |
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| Mokume |
A Japanese technique in which layers of metals of contrasting color
are fused, distorted and then revealed. The image can be carefully
controlled but is most common as a random woodgrain pattern. |
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| Mordants |
The general term for acids and similar strong chemicals used to
etch. |
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| Niello |
An alloy of silver, copper, lead and sulfur that creates a lustrous
black inlay material with a relatively low melting point. |
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| Patinas |
Any of hundreds of surface films created on metals to provide a
desired color or surface finish. |
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| Phase
diagram |
A chart that plots the range of melting points for a given alloy,
showing the effect of the relative amounts of the various constituent
parts. |
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| Photoetching |
A technique in which a photographic process is used to create a
pattern or image on a surface with an acid resistant medium. |
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| Piercing |
The use of a sawframe and blade to create shapes from sheet metal.
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| Planishing |
The use of a hammer or similar impact tool to smooth a metal surface.
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| Raising |
An ancient process in which metal is deformed over a hard surface
called a stake to force it into a volumetric shape. |
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| Reactive
metals |
Any of the six metals in groups 4B or 5B of the Periodic Table.
They are characterized by light weight, low malleability and the ability
to form a consistent and durable oxide film. |
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| Recrystallization |
The process by which molecules within a metal give up alignment
with one crystal and regroup with another. |
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| Reducing
flame |
A torch or kiln flame in which there is more fuel provided than
can efficiently combine with the available oxygen. |
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| Repousse |
An ancient process in which hardened tools are struck with a hammer
to press metal into a decorative shape. |
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| Resists |
Paints, waxes or other coatings used to prevent acids from reaching
selected areas during etching. |
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| Reticulation |
In metalworking, a process through which a metal sheet is induced
to gather itself into ridges and valleys. |
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| Scoring |
The process of scratching or carving a recessed line to locate
and insure a crisp bend. |
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| Sinking |
The compressive process of pressing metal into a form. |
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| Sprues |
Channels cut into a mold to allow for the entry of metal. Also
the name given to the metal rods that assume this shape in the final
casting. |
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| Stakes |
Hard forms, usually of steel but sometimes of wood or plastic,
over which metal forming such as raising is done. |
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| Stretching |
A forming process in which metal is thinned, generally by pinching
it between two hard surfaces, such as a hammer and an anvil. This
is usually for the purpose of creating a volumetric shape. |
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