# Granulation: tiny spheres of gold

> Granulation fixes tiny metal spheres onto a surface without visible solder; a technique of the Etruscans that demands precision and patience.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/granulation/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-28
- Updated: 2026-07-08
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/granulado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Granulation covers a piece with tiny metal spheres, sometimes under half a millimeter, that seem to float on the surface. It is associated above all with Etruscan goldwork.

![Steps of the technique: Make the spheres, Sort, Place, Heat, Cool, Clean](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/granulado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## How it is done

1. The granules are made by melting small pieces of metal on charcoal.
2. They are placed on the surface with an adhesive paste containing copper salts.
3. On heating, the copper and gold form a bond (a localized solder) that fixes the granules leaving no trace of solder.

## Why it is difficult

The heat must be just right: too little does not join the granules and too much melts them into the base. The granules have to be even and well placed.

## History

The Etruscans of the 7th century BCE brought it to a high level, and the technique was lost and later rediscovered.

## Today

It is used in luxury artisan jewelry and in archaeological reproductions.

## Step by step

1. **Make the spheres.** Cut tiny pieces of wire and melt them on charcoal.
2. **Sort.** Separate the spheres by size.
3. **Place.** Arrange the spheres on the base with glue and flux.
4. **Heat.** With just the right flame for diffusion bonding.
5. **Cool.** Let it cool without moving.
6. **Clean.** Pickle and tidy up.

## Tools and materials

- Gold or silver wire and charcoal
- Fine brush and organic glue
- Fine tweezers ([tweezers](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-pliers-and-tweezers/))
- Fine-tipped [torch](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-torches/)

## Common mistakes

- Overheating: the spheres melt into the base.
- Dirty spheres: they do not bond.
- Too much glue: carbon marks.
- Moving the piece while heating.

## See also

- [Filigree: lace of metal wire](https://www.711grados.com/en/filigree/)
- [Gold](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold/)
- [Soldering for jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/)