A special alloy of silver or gold is modified by a process called depletion gilding to create a surface layer of fine (pure) silver or gold. The sheet is then heated until the different expansion rates of the layers cause fine wrinkles and bumps on the surface. Shown at the left is a reticulated silver pendant accented with 18K and 22K gold and a faceted African garnet and a chrysoprase cabochon.

The technique of fusing tiny spheres and wire segments of silver or gold to a sheet. The technique was first used by the ancient Greeks and Etruscans in high karat gold. Modern day techniques include fusing granules, wire and small shapes in fine gold, 22K and 18K gold, fine and sterling silver to sheets of fine or sterling silver or 22K gold. To the left is shown earrings with fine silver granulation with faceted apatites (see our gem rough pages for a description).

The technique of placing fine wires inside a frame constructed of larger wires. The fine wires must be individually shaped, cut, and held in by tension before being soldered from the back. There have been many different types a jewelry called filigree ranging from cast pieces to simple wire decorations. The technique used by Dragon Treasure is the Russian Filigree. To the left is shown earrings with fine silver filigree in sterling silver frames with natural colored biwa pearls.

The technique of hammering metal alternately from the front and back to achieve high relief. This done completely freehand. There are no molds. Repousse has been used from earliest to modern times and is one of the few techniques in which the tools have changed very little.