Damascene (Click here to see Damascene Collection)

Damascene is an inlay process in which precious metal is hammered into a background field in a free pattern. The background field is a metal surface, such as steel, that has been crosshatched to make a rough texture. The technique is thought to have a peak in development in Kyoto, Japan where it was introduced probably from Korea before 650 CE. In Japan where it is called Nunome Zogan it is used for decoration of jewelry and objects. A variation of this refined art is named after Toledo, Spain.

This process requires the artism to first create crisscross lines on a metal surface, which resembles a file's surface. Gold or Silver is then tapped into the background while forming patterns. This inlay can be created with either wire or metal sheets cut into shapes. After inlaying is completed the surface is oxidized and cleaned in a number of steps. An older method for the cleaning steps is to use a strong solution of green tea, which contains tannic acid. Lacquer is applied in layers to let the inlay stand out from the now dark background metal.

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