Graining is an ancient silversmithing technique that uses small grains of precious metals to decorate the surface of a piece of jewellery. The oldest archaeological finds of jewellery made using this technique were found in the royal tombs of Ur, Mesopotamia, and date back to 2500 BC. Coconut objects were also found in jewellery from Minoan Crete from 1800 BC, and in the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun made in 1350 BC.
Periapto with bees, a work of Minoan art, 1700 BC
This technique reached its peak by the Etruscans and the Greek goldsmiths, from the 8th to the 2nd century BC. The Etruscans perfected granulation and became known for their miniature designs, managing to draw birds and animals on the head of a pin.
Etruscan artwork, 530-480 BC.
The style of granulation
Granulation is a very difficult technique that requires absolute visual control and tremendous concentration, as the whole process is done with the use of tiny tools. Once the tiny grains are made, from the precious metal of choice, they must be welded onto a metal plate, creating patterns and designs. The craftsmen of antiquity would fix the grains onto the surface of the gold with either simple resin or heated red copper.
At KALFIDIS Jewellery, our 18 and 22 carat gold jewellery decorated with grains continues to be handcrafted using modern materials and tools. Alternatively, for more mass productions, the casting method is used.
The KALFIDIS Jewellery charm for 2023
The designers of KALFIDIS Jewellery created the 2023 shoe for 2023 with inspiration from the technique of granulation, and the wish that all of us can always find the beauty hidden in the details.
Sources:
- https://www.jewelpedia.com/lex97-kokkidosi-granulation.html
- Photo credit: Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
- http://odysseus.culture.gr