Posted 12 years ago
nsvmom
(36 items)
This piece is why I liked the brooch so much that I posted before this piece. I had this first, my mother's friend gave it to me when I got married. The backing isn't gold because it has worn off a bit, but I THINK the gold on the front may be. Does anyone know anything about pieces like this and the brooch?
It was given to me 6 years ago, but knowing the lady that gave it to me, she's had it for a while beforehand. I should ask it where it came from
The technique is called 'damascene'. They still make pieces like this in Toledo.
I have soms pendants and a brooch which are done in the same technique.
You are right, the gold on the front is probably real, the back is gold plated.
This is what I could find about damascene:
"Damascene items generally reflect two distinct traditional types of patterns; the Arabesque or geometric designs, and the Renaissance motifs, displaying variations of birds and flowers. These patterns are obtained by engraving deep, patterned cuts into steel and then placing a gold foil into the lines of the design. This foil is hammered until the gold (18/greenish and 24/yellow carat) penetrates into the cuts, forming the design. Each piece is treated with a bluing solution to obtain oxidation and a black background is created. The back of all Damascene pieces are finished with gold metal.
Toledo is the world's largest center of production of Damascene. The city of Toledo is one of the richest historically and culturally endowed cities in all of Spain."
I hope this helps.
Maybe this link can help you also http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/Damasceneinformation.htm
Newtimes interesting information
it does look quite like the Amita Japanese damascene piece in the link pawis has posted!
Fantastic, thank you all for your posts and research! Fantastic! :)