Here is a technique for maintaining texture on a domed element from
@obr_horology - “Doming something with a pattern on it can be a delicate activity, the below patterns are made on a guilloche machine so they aren't too deep. The best way I have found to dome is to use a wooden mallet and wooden doming blocks. The pieces shown here are 40mm diameter. Place the piece pattern down into a shallow doming block, begin hitting the piece from the outside working your way around until you reach where you started. Next step is to hit further in towards the centre in a circular fashion as before but in the opposite direction. repeat this until you have covered the whole piece. You may have to go over some areas depending on the blows. I then place the piece into a second sinking block to create a deeper dome. Repeat same process as above. Depending on how much you have been hitting the metal you may have to anneal between blocks. If you want to make sure its perfect then I recommend giving it a few strikes on a steel dome afterward. Pick a domed stack that matches the profile of your dome pretty closely. Then with a raw hide hammer begin hitting the piece with the pattern facing you. (So you are hitting directly onto the pattern) At this point force is important, don't go nuts and hit hard, you’re not trying to change its contour, just flatten out any bumps out of the ordinary. This last step can take some practice, but it’s also not necessary if you nail the first two steps. “ Thank you so much for sharing this! Would love to hear more about the Guilloche machine (does engraving) another time ;)
#metalsmithsociety #jewelrytipoftheday
