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Reticulation: wrinkled metal

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Reticulation: wrinkled metal

Reticulation takes advantage of how silver alloys behave when heated: the core melts before the surface, and the surface folds into reliefs reminiscent of reptile skin or a topographic map.

Steps of the technique: Prepare the alloy, Heat, Watch, Cool, Pickle, Finish
Summary of the steps

How it is achieved #

Sterling silver is heated repeatedly to form a surface layer of nearly pure silver. It is then heated again until the core, with more copper, melts and the outer layer wrinkles.

Results #

The texture varies with the heat, the thickness and the alloy. It is unpredictable, which is why each piece is unique.

Precautions #

The temperature is very close to melting, so the piece can deform or melt. It is done on a refractory block.

Uses #

It is used in rings, pendants and brooches with an organic look.

Step by step #

  1. Prepare the alloy. Use sterling silver and bring copper to the surface.
  2. Heat. Bring the piece to the point of wet shine.
  3. Watch. The surface wrinkles.
  4. Cool. Remove the flame just in time.
  5. Pickle. Reveal the texture.
  6. Finish. Tidy up and, if wanted, oxidize.

Tools and materials #

  • Sterling silver or copper alloy
  • Torch and brick
  • Pickle bath
  • Safety glasses

Common mistakes #

  • Melting the piece by overheating.
  • Using fine silver: it does not reticulate.
  • Too little copper at the surface: the texture stays flat.
  • Heating unevenly.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.