Two techniques. Two days. Create unusual texture with reticulated silver, and make beautiful unique mokume gane patterns from available straight grain stock. Reticulation involves melting (on purpose!) to achieve a unique surface suitable for jewelry. The ancient technique of mokume gane (Japanese, meaning wood grain) is similar to Damascus steel but is used for jewelry and created in combinations of silver, gold, and copper based alloys.

For both types of surface designs, we will employ methods that speed up the process and minimize the fuss, yet allow us to explore the beauty of these rare and ancient techniques. For example, rather than focusing on the fusion process of mokume, we will take advantage of the variety of prefused billets available and use them to create new and unusual patterns that can be incorporated into any type of jewelry.

You MUST ORDER SUPPLIES BEFORE THE CLASS

Supply List

From Reactive Metals
http://reactivemetals.com/
(800) 876-3434

1" x 2" (or larger) sheet of 14 gauge flat mokume gane billet in sterling/copper

1" bar of Mokume Gane Straight Grain Forging Rod in the metals of your choice. Bar must be 14" or 3/8" thick. (Please be aware that the silver/copper rod may not wear well for rings unless the copper portion does not rub against the skin.)

2" x 2" sheet of 24 gauge Crinkle Bi-Metal

2" x 2" sheet of 18 gauge Crinkle Bi-Metal

(You may also do reticulation with 18g or 20g regular sterling sheet or 80/20 silver from Hauser and Miller.)

Patination chemicals provided for use during class.