Glossary of Terms
Here are a few terms to help you understand the process in which your pieces will be made...
Annealed-
the process of heating a metal to make it less brittle
Bassetaille-
applying enamels to metal which is in low relief
Champleve-
enameling technique where metal has been etched or carved away and the resulting depressions filled with enamel
Chasing-
the art of ornamenting metal with individual strokes of a hammer on chasing tools or punches
Cloisonne-
enamel surface embellishment where the colors are separated by thin metal strips (forming cloisons)
Cold Forging-
forming metal which has been annealed and cooled
Enameling-
glass fused to metal
Grisaille-
monochrome enameling
Limoge-
painted enamels
Patina-
a thin layer of green oxidation appearing on copper; can be produced by age or chemical process
Pickled-
an acid used to remove oxidation from metal
Plique-a-jour-
enameling technique where transparent enamels are placed in a wire framework giving a stained glass effect
Repousse-
decorating the surface of metal by hammering the reverse of the object, design refined by chasing
Sgraffito-
method of scratching through the surface to reveal what is beneath
Verdigris-
green patina finish on copper
