Forging, repoussé and filigree: three traditional goldsmithing techniques

At the Ignis atelier we mainly work with three traditional techniques. All of them transform metal by hand, but each speaks a different language. Knowing them helps you read the pieces — and choose where to begin.

Forging: shaping with the hammer

In forging, metal is shaped by hammer blows on an anvil or mandrel. Each blow stretches, thins or curves the metal. Because metal hardens as it is worked (work-hardening), it must be heated periodically with a torch (annealing) to become malleable again.

It is a technique of gesture, rhythm and controlled strength that gives pieces an organic, sculptural character — as in our Foliage Bracelet.

Good for beginners: yes. The Forging Workshop requires no experience.

Repoussé: relief from the back

In repoussé, a metal sheet is fixed to a support and worked from the back with punches and a hammer, pushing the metal out to create volume on the front. It is usually combined with chasing, which works from the front to define outlines and detail.

It is the technique of volume and depth, with a lot of drawing and sculpture in it.

Good for beginners: basic sawing and soldering skills help. The Repoussé Workshop runs over two private sessions.

Filigree: drawing with wire

In filigree, extremely fine silver or gold wires are twisted, flattened and coiled into small motifs that fill a frame, and are then soldered. It is the most iconic technique in Portuguese jewellery and the one that demands the most patience and precision. Read more in our article on Portuguese filigree.

Good for beginners: yes. The Filigree Workshop is the atelier's most popular.

What if you want to learn all three?

The Goldsmithing Foundation Course brings the three techniques together in 8 private lessons, with bench basics (sawing and soldering), drawing for jewellery and the development of an original piece from start to finish.