Alloy A mixture of metals having different properties (color, melting point, malleability) from the component pure metals. Common alloys include the following: Brass (copper and zinc); Bronze (90% copper and 10% tin); Pewter (90% tin, 10: copper); and Sterling (silver and copper).
Annealing
The process of heating work-hardened metal in order to restore its malleability.
Applique The technique of creating a design by soldering or granulating cut-out shapes of sheet metal to another metal surface.
Casting
The process of shaping a molten metal by means of a mold.
Chasing
A technique for surface embellishing of metal accomplished by driving pointed
tools into the metal.
Enameling
The fusing of a glassy substance onto metal. Enamels are combinations of flux
and metal oxides (for color). Cloisonne is one of the better known enamel techniques.
Forging Hammering metal on an anvil or form in order to shape, thin, or
stretch it.
Granulation
A type of surface treatment in which small metal beads or wires are fused onto
a metal foundation, or to one another. Can be done in gold or silver.
Malleability The degree to which a metal is capable of being extended or
shaped by forging or stretching, without cracking or breaking.
Piercing Sawing lines or designs into sheet metal.
Raising Forging sheet metal so as to shape it into 3-dimensional objects.
Repousee A technique of pushing metal out from its reverse
side using hammers and punches in order to create a low relief design on the
front.
Reticulation The fusing or melting of a metal surface to create texture.
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