# Reticulation: wrinkled metal

> Reticulation heats a silver alloy until the surface wrinkles into ridges and valleys, creating an unmistakable organic texture.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/reticulation/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-12
- Updated: 2026-08-12
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/reticulacion-del-metal/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

---

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](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/reticulacion-steps.en.svg "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](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-torches/) and brick
- [Pickle](https://www.711grados.com/en/pickling-metal/) 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

- [Annealing: how to soften metal](https://www.711grados.com/en/annealing-metal/)
- [Texturing metal surfaces in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/texturing-metal-surfaces/)
- [Silver](https://www.711grados.com/en/silver/)