This highlights my procedure for twisting and patterning a Mokume-Gane rod into a workable section of stock material.
This video is the first of many to come. These videos are a visual record and detail my methods and results in my never-ending pursuit to make better Mokume Gane jewelry and material.
Over the course of these videos I am trying to document my work, and also to encourage the production of Mokume-gane jewelry and material.
In the videos on this particular playlist, I begin by showing the process of creating the alloys, pouring the alloy into a mold and then smithing the material into the desired shape and form. After which I am demonstrating the concepts of annealing, milling and working 14k gold, particularly a white gold alloy which derives it’s color from palladium instead of nickel, the recipe for the alloy used is
14kt White Gold - Palladium Alloy
58.33% pure yellow gold (AU)
32.17% silver (Ag)
9.50% palladium (Pd)
After the metal has been properly prepared I then move onto to sectioning off the layers and creating a stack, which is then bound and fused, turning multiple layers of contrasting precious metal into a solid laminate known as a billet. This fusion creates a eutectic alloy between the layers and the original metals are now one yet retain their individual colors and characteristics. I accomplish this by utilizing liquid phase fusion, bonding the alloys on a molecular level and then using the contrast to create what is known as a pattern weld. Also shown are methods for twisting and forging the material, going from a billet, to stock blanks, finally to finished Jewelry. This is all done in a freestyle manner, so a true organic behind the scenes view is achieved.
The resulting effect is amazing and unfortunately exceedingly rare, it is my hopes that these videos can help correct that, If only on the humblest level. By passing along knowledge and experience, if you only find a single sentence of use, that may be enough and perhaps others can advance this artform another step forward.
The techniques I am demonstrating are applicable to virtually any metal combination and my method is both practical and effective for virtually any artist working in any basic shop containing even the most basic equipment. during these little documentaries I will also be demonstrating multiples of techniques and methods of jewelry creation and metalsmithing, particularly gold and silversmith techniques of all skill levels. If you are interested in learning to make jewelry by hand for the first time, a bench jeweler or designer with years of experience, or just someone who sees this process and becomes obsessed, as I have, then you have but one thing to do.
if you enjoyed this video, and even if you didn't, hit the like button. And if you would like to see others like it,
if you would like to learn more about such material, mixed metals and fusions, metalwork silversmith techniques both beginner and advanced, or if you are just generally interested in making jewelry, then hit subscribe and notifications now!
I have a passion for mokume gane and jewelry making in general, and I pour myself into each creation.
this channel will be dedicated primarily to making Mokume from precious metal but will cover many aspects of general smithing and metalwork.
I will be creating many videos detailing as much of my process from beginning to end as I can, and I promise to improve the editing and camera angles. if there is any specific question you have or content you would like me to make on this topic feel free to message or comment below.