Handmade Jewelry by Nao goldwork

Thank you for reading my explanation
of the granulation technique.

Twenty-five years ago, I came across gold granulation products by Ilias Lalaounis

at their store in New Otani Hotel and was amazed by their gold granulationquality.

In 1995, the online community Ganoksin was born for the jewelry industry. In this site,

I read an article explaining the granulation technique by Professor Erhard Brepol.

https://www.ganoksin.com/article/goldsmithing-granulation-technique/


At that time, I had opportunities to visit Bali, Indonesia. In my trip, I had a chance

to visit a store that produces and sells jewelry, especially granulated gold products.

I found that granulation was being produced exactly as Professor Brepol explained.

I was able to learn about the materials and production methods from the craftsmen.

After returning to Tokyo, I actually tried the learned granulation technique myself.

Based on theses experiences, I prepared the following explanation of technique.




Currently, several training courses in gold granulation technique are being offered

around the world, and gold granulation jewelry can be viewed through image searches.

Ilias Lalaounis produces jewelry with gold granulation to order.

You can also purchase the company's past pieces at auctions.

Andrea Cagnetti, known as Akelo, has made a significant contribution,

and his works are housed in museums but can also be viewed online.


In addition to Ilias Lalaounis, companies like Zaffiro

are gaining recognition for their excellent gold granulation jewelry.

https://lalaounis.com/product/

https://www.akelo.it/en/jewelry/

https://zaffirojewelry.com/

Gold Granulation Process

(Step 1) Molten gold is dripped and rapidly cooled. The resulting granules are sorted by size.

(Step 2) A small piece of copper is heated and oxidized. Gain oxided powder from its surface.

(Step 3) The dried beans are ground to create a fine powder for releasing carbon during firing.

(Step 4) Oxided copper powder and beans powder are mixed in water to create a viscous paste.

(Step 5) The points where the gold granules will be welded are marked on the gold product.

(Step 6) A paste ball approximately 0.5 mm in diameter is applied on the bonding point.

Put gold granules gently on the paste and leave them in a cool place for drying.

(Step 7) Once dried, heat the product in a reducing atmosphere using charcoal or a burner.

(Step 8) The oxided copper is transformed into liquid copper in a reducing atmosphere.

(Step 9) Gold granules are welded to the base gold product at their contact points.

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