From Metal to Jewel: the Artisan’s Path

Abstract

This article examines jewelry design from a project-oriented perspective, detailing the artisanal goldsmithing process proposed by Spinassé and Cateb (2022). The study outlines five key stages in handmade jewelry creation: melting precious metals to obtain ingots or rilhas; producing metal components through techniques such as rolling, wire drawing, and cutting; assembling the parts using brazing and mechanical fixation; setting gemstones and applying complementary materials with various stone-setting styles; and finally, finishing the piece, including polishing, surface texturing, or electroplating. Drawing on systematic observations in the atelier and supported by specialized literature, the article aims to expand the technical repertoire of jewelry designers by offering practical and conceptual insights into the transformation from raw metal to decorative object. Additionally, the work discusses the evolving distinction between design and production in contemporary jewelry-making, emphasizing the importance of mastering fabrication methods to enhance design quality.