[Jewelry making - Article 00022] - Re: [Orchid] Niello removal

[Janet Berg]

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Dear Dan,

    There are many different niello formulas (I have collected over 40
    from written sources spanning 2000 years), each with its own working
    properties. In my niello workshops, students are required to make up
    several different formulas and run experiments to test the
    differences. Some are sticky and need to be spread while hot
    (Theophilus, Cellini) which is great for spherical objects (like
    goblets), while others liquify quickly and flow rapidly (Persion and
    16th c. Russian) which is good for engravings. In all cases, you
    should never put on more than needed to fill the depressions, as it
    only increases your work (to remove it)! Traditionally, niello was
    done on silver and gold. You say you did it on etched copper. Even
    with mild heating, a very low melting point would have been created
    where the niello touched your copper, thereby melting down your
    etched surface and alloying it into the niello....:-(.....If you do
    it again, try a silver base, a runny niello, a very small amount of
    niello, and very gentle heat. What sort of heating system were you
    using? 

Janet in Jerusalem 

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