The Process
I begin each piece with a sketch of my vision. The 24-karat gold I work with starts as grains, which I carefully weigh before melting them into a single mass. It is then drawn into wire or rolled into sheets of varying thicknesses, ready to take shape.
At times, during the shaping process, the metal responds and forms differently from what was originally intended. This natural behaviour influences the design and often changes it for the better.
Preparing the Gold
pure gold begins as small grains. before it can be worked, it is transformed into the two fundamental forms used throughout the making process.
Rolling Mill
Used to roll gold into sheets of varying thicknesses →
Wire Drawing
Drawing gold through a series of progressively smaller holes in a drawplate to create wire of different thicknesses →
From this point onward, the making process varies from one piece to another. Different techniques are used according to the design, each serving a different purpose in shaping the final piece.
Creating Connections
Some designs require permanent connections to establish their structure before further work can continue.
Diffusing
Used to fuse separate components by heating the gold to just below its melting point, allowing the metal to bond without solder →
Building Form
When a design calls for sculptural form’ volume is created directly from a flat sheet of gold using traditional forming techniques.
Repoussé and Chasing
Shaping gold sheets by hammering from the reverse to create low- to mid-relief forms, then refining the design from the front by sinking the metal and adding the final details →
Die-Forming
Two or more shaped gold sheets formed to create a hollow sculptural form. This technique ensures a precise fit between the pieces prior to soldering →
Completing the Piece
For designs that incorporate gemstones, stone setting is one of the final stages of the making process, carried out only once the metalwork has been completed.
Stone-Setting
Securing diamonds or gemstones into jewellery by setting them in channels, prongs or bezels →
the Materials
