What is granulation?

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Granulation is a really effective technique in jewellery making. But what is it and how is it done?

 
what is granulation jewellers academy blog post
 

what is granulation?

Granulation is a technique in jewellery making where you create tiny spheres of metal and then use them as decoration for your piece. It is a very effective way of adding texture to your designs.

The technique of granulation is an ancient one. Finds from archaeological digs have discovered jewellery and other objects decorated with granulation dated as far back as 5000 years.

How is the effect achieved?

This technique is typically completed with silver or gold and is great to use with off-cuts and scrap pieces of your metal and wire as the first step is to melt the metal scraps individually so that they form into balls. These balls are then added to your piece.

There are two main ways to attach the granules:

  1. Soldering in place

  2. Fusing the metal

In our course we are covering the soldering in place technique as it is easier to control the process. You can see some of the steps of this process in the video below.

With the fusing technique, the metal is heated to the point of melting to ensure the granules stay in place.

 
 

mindfulness

Those that love the granulation technique talk about how mindful the process is - of creating the spheres and of soldering them in place. Plus no two pieces of jewellery created with this technique will ever be the same - they are truly unique.

 

 
gold granulation pendant from Jewellers Academy
 

our brand new course - granulation in silver and gold

Learn for yourself how to create granulation in silver and gold

With this brand new course taught by expert jeweller, Stelios Karantonas, in this course you will learn:

  • The secret to preparing your pieces for granulation

  • How to create different sizes of granules in both silver and gold

  • Soldering your granules using the solder in place method

  • Work with gold and silver and mixed metals to create your own unique one of a kind designs

  • How to add to your piece with a tube setting for a faceted stone

  • How to set a cabochon stone in a pendant with a granulation halo

  • Projects covered in this course include making a ring and a pendant - all the skills you need to start a new collection!

What Will You Get?

  • Ongoing access to comprehensive video lessons, guiding you through all the techniques, tips and tricks

  • Downloadable course notes to work alongside the videos

  • Full list of kit and materials you need to create these gorgeous designs

  • Access to our supportive community of jewellers and tutors to help you at every stage of the process

  • Access to the videos 24/7 - you can stop, pause, rewind and replay as much as you like

  • Excellent close-up shots to see what is happening in each step so you don't miss a thing

What experience do I need?

This course is suitable for jewellers who have experience of working with sheet silver metal and are competent at soldering and basic stone setting.

If you are new to working with silver but would like to give it a try take a look at our beginners course The Silver Jewellery Workshop, the Soldering Masterclass and Stone Setting in Silver first.