Mokume-gane is a technique developed in 17th century Japan, which was used for laminating ornaments and decorative items. Mokume-gane translation is is' wood grain' or 'wood grain metal' which indicates the unique metallic inlayed texture or pattern produced by this unique technique. This laminating technique was originally used in the crafting of Japanese samurai swords. It was a popular practice for Japanese arms smiths to use this type of specialized lamination to embellish the swords of the Japanese wealthy and powerful. These days, the Mokume-gane technique is mainly utilized in the design and manufacturing of ornamental items or specialized jewelry pieces. This laminating method utilizes a large range of precious and semi-precious metals such as: brass, iron, silver, copper, white gold, platinum, palladium, yellow gold, etc.
This singular Japanese laminating technique can incorporate as many as 30 metallic alloys into a single design. The precious and semi-precious alloys are first melted down, and then shaped into thin leaves which are intertwined and integrated into the piece's overall design. It is increasingly important to choose soft metallic alloys which can easily fuse together when melted down. The laminating technique is unique in that it produces textured, layered, visually appealing pieces Mokume-gane jewelry is considered incredibly alluring due to the complex designs, which appear in arbitrary patterns along the metals' exteriors. The designs are reminiscent of natural elements such as waves, landscapes and whirlpools. The exact location of the inlayed designs may vary (they may appear horizontal or vertical) depending on the specific casting method which was used in creating the piece.
Mokume-gane jewelry comes in a wide selection of styles, colors and designs. The four basic metallic hues found in Mokume-gane jewelry pieces are green gold, bronze, grayish-silver and rose gold. Green gold Mokume-gane pieces are created by mixing a 75% high karat gold alloy with 25% silver. The bronze tint is achieved by combining rose gold, high karat gold, copper and bronze, a grayish-silvery tint is created with a mixture of manganese, silver, platinum, zing and a low karat gold and the popular rose gold color is created by smelting 75% high karat gold together with %25 copper.
The colors and hues of Mokume-gane pieces can be adapted, according to the client's personal preferences. A licensed jeweler, experienced in working with the Mokume-gane method, would be able to mix and match different metallic colors and tinges.
Generally speaking, Mokume-gane ornaments and jewelry items are not that easy to locate since Mokume-gane jewelry is relatively rare. As such, Mokume-gane laminated items are most commonly found in estate sales and auction houses. Most jewelry stores do not carry Mokume-gane laminated pieces, therefore, Mokume-gane jewelry is usually custom made by an experienced professional. Consequently, Mokume-gane jewelry can get to be rather expensive. Prices vary in accordance to the amount of metal alloys used, their respective qualities, the complexity of the design and the amount of craftsmanship that goes into making the piece.
Mokume-gane Jewelry
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