Jewellery and
Its Techniques
JEWELLERY MAKING
Jewellery making is an ancient art that involves creating decorative objects using metals, precious, semi-precious, and ornamental stones, as well as other materials. Since ancient times, jewellery has played an important role in various cultures around the world, serving as a symbol of status, wealth, and beauty.
Even today, jewellery remains a form of personal expression and a means to enhance the beauty and style of those who wear it.
For instance, humans began adorning themselves with shells, bones, and other natural materials as early as the prehistoric era. Over time, the development of metallurgy allowed the creation of jewellery with more elaborate techniques , using metals such as gold, silver, and bronze. In the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, jewellery making reached its peak, with the creation of exquisite pieces combining technical skills with cultural and religious symbolism.
THE CHASING TECHNIQUE IN JEWELLERY MAKING
This goldsmithing technique, adapted for jewellery, is a craft technique that involves carving or engraving metal surfaces to create reliefs, textures, and decorative patterns. The jeweller uses chisels and a hammer to add detail and visual complexity to their creations.
The Origins of Chasing
The origins of chasing date back to ancient civilisations where metalwork began to be used for decorative and functional purposes. Cultures such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome used chasing to decorate jewellery, amulets, domestic utensils, and ceremonial objects. Over the centuries, this technique has been refined and adapted to different artistic styles and periods.
In jewellery making, chasing has been used to create unique and sophisticated pieces, ranging from ornamental bracelets to decorative rings. Expert jewellers master this technique to enhance the beauty and elegance of their creations, adding depth and detail to every piece.
THE LOST-WAX CASTING TECHNIQUE IN JEWELLERY MAKING
This jewellery making technique, also known as lost-wax casting, is an ancient process of crafting jewellery in several stages. First, the desired piece is meticulously sculpted in wax, then encased in a refractory material to form a mould. After heating to melt the wax, the mould leaves an empty space, which is then filled with molten metal, such as brass. Once cooled, the mould is removed, revealing the finished piece.
The Origins of Lost-Wax Casting
This technique enables the creation of complex designs and intricate shapes that are difficult to achieve by other means.
Used by Greek and Roman civilisations in Europe, it was also mastered by pre-Columbian indigenous cultures in Latin America long before the arrival of Europeans. With the arrival of Spanish settlers, this technique merged with European traditions, creating a rich metalworking tradition that continues to this day.
THE FILIGREE TECHNIQUE IN JEWELLERY MAKING
Filigree is a jewellery technique that involves creating delicate and detailed patterns using fine metal wires, such as gold or silver. This method requires great dexterity and patience, as each piece is carefully crafted to achieve the desired precision and beauty.
The Origins of Filigree
The filigree technique has ancient origins, dating back to antiquity and practiced in various cultures worldwide. First observed in ancient Egypt, it spread to Europe, Asia, and America.
In Europe, it became a highly prized art during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Introduced to Latin America by Spanish settlers, it fused with local traditions to become a treasured form of craftsmanship.
3D DESIGN AND CONCEPT IN JEWELLERY MAKING
3D jewellery design is an innovative process that uses digital technology to create precise and detailed models of jewellery pieces..
In this process, specialised Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is used, allowing designers to create three-dimensional models of jewellery with millimetre precision. These digital models can be viewed from different angles and adjusted according to the designer's needs before being physically produced.
This innovative approach has transformed the jewellery industry, allowing designers to experiment with new shapes, textures, and styles that were previously difficult to achieve using traditional jewellery-making techniques..
Once the design is approved, additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, are used to produce prototypes and wax moulds, which serve as the basis for the hand-finishing of the final jewellery piece.
In summary, these ancient and modern jewellery-making techniques,, que j’ai apprises et perfectionnées grâce à mes études dans des institutions de renom telles que La Haute École de Joaillerie en France et l’École Colombienne de Joaillerie, ainsi qu’auprès de maîtres artisans et par autodidaxie, constituent the essence of my brand, ANDREA CUJAR.. Inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature, every piece I create is a fusion of tradition and innovation, crafted with passion and dedication. Whether through delicate chasing, the ancient lost-wax technique, intricate filigree, or contemporary 3D design, my goal is to offer unique jewellery that tells a story and reflects the beauty of the natural world.
I invite you to explore my work and find the perfect piece that resonates with your style and personality.
