Processes and techniques
Embossing
Embossing
Complex jewellery parts can be embossed using a drop hammer. The embosser raises the relief die suspended on a cable, and lets it fall on the negative counterpart with a force equivalent to seven tonnes. Sheet metal is worked into its final shape in several stages.
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Turning the wheel at the drawing bench
Rolling and Drawing
Rolling and drawing machines are used to make jewellery from wire, tubes or strips of metal, transforming them into bracelets, rings or creole hoops.
On a hand-operated drawing bench the finisher pulls the metal blanks through the different holes in the drawing plate to give them the required shape.
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Spin casting
Spin casting
The caster pours the molten tin alloy into a silicone mould. Swift rotation of the mould in the spin caster forces the liquid tin through casting channels into the cavities. In this way, different pieces of jewellery are made together in one casting and can then be separated from each other.
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Chainmaking
Chainmaking
The chainmaking machine cuts wire into the required link length. The link is then shaped by a mandrel between the jaws of the tongs, inserted into the previous link and closed. The chain mechanic checks that the link fits perfectly.
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Gold forging
Goldsmith´s workbench
Individual jewellery parts are assembled by hand at the goldsmith's workbench. The goldsmith saws, drills, files and solders. In brazing or hard soldering, a gas blowpipe is used at a temperature of nearly 450° Celsius to solder on material of the same type as the parts being joined. The goldsmith regulates the flame by blowing air into the pipe.
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Engine tuning
Engine tuning
In engine tuning, also known as guilloché work, linear patterns are engraved into a metal surface.
The hand-operated rose engine machine follows the patterns on the rose and transfers the engine turner's design to the metal plate. Step by step a geometrical pattern of zigzag and wavy lines takes shape.