The Encyclopedia · Settings & techniques
Textured gold
Gold given a surface pattern, such as bark, satin, hammered or Florentine finishes, rather than a mirror polish.
Textured gold defined the jewelry of the 1960s and 1970s, from the bark finishes of Sterlé and Boucheron to the satin gold of Italian makers. The texture catches the light softly and hides scratches.
What to look for
Over time, high points are polished smooth by wear or by careless cleaning. An even, crisp texture is a sign of good condition.
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