Bubble Embossed Tear Drop Copper Earrings
Metal Jewelry Textures
A skilled jeweler will be able to create a wide variety of textures on any sheet of metal. These can be used to form pieces of jewelry, which are irregular, smooth or are covered with more detailed patterns such as ripples or bubbles.
Hammered Metal Jewelry
Metal jewelry that has simply been hammered will have a rough, uneven texture due to how the hammer strikes the metal. Pieces such as John S. Brana’s hammered copper bracelets are hand crafted and are very on trend and stylish.
Metal Jewelry Polishing Techniques
To remove the flaws from a piece of metal jewelry, whether from hammering or otherwise, a jeweler generally has to polish it. This is achieved by using a work wheel and a fine abrasive. Polishing is great for creating flawless pieces of jewelry. For something a little more interesting, brushed metal jewelry can be made by rubbing fine sandpaper over the surface. This creates many minute lines and removes some of the metal’s lustre giving it a much more distinctive look.
Embossed Metal Jewelry
Bubble jewelry is formed by embossing the metal’s surface with a pattern of various-sized, connected circles. Examples of this style include John S. Brana’s handmade aluminum bubble earrings, which have a very natural appearance.
Aluminum Cuff with Bark Texture
Chased Metal Jewelry
Finally, lines can also be added to metal. These come in a variety of patterns such as the radial design found on John S. Brana’s chased copper scarf ring, or the more natural style of his corrugated copper disc earrings. The diversity of these items is limited only by the jewelers imagination.
The fact that metal is so malleable, means that master craftsmen across the globe can create bracelets, necklaces and earrings which will suit almost anyone’s tastes and which can be worn in a large number of situations. Metal jewelry is so versatile and is a true gift from both these expert jewelers and Mother Nature herself.
