Engraving: an art from the past
Engraving is an art that comes from the past. Starting from this premise, it is undeniable that gold jewelry, when engraved, often gains even more charm. Not only to the touch but also to the eye: thanks to engravings, chiaroscuro effects can be created that make a precious piece truly unique. Marco Bicego knows this well and has chosen to use this refined technique, called “bulinatura.”
Engraving: what it is about
In the world of goldsmithing, the engraving technique consists of creating designs on the gold surface of jewelry by tracing some thin grooves. To make them, the ancient tool called the burin is used, which is a small rod of hardened steel, equipped with a wooden handle and a sharp tip, specially made to remove a curl of metal. Obviously, the depth of the engraving depends precisely on the size of the burin’s tip: based on it, different shapes, outlines, and widths in the engraving can be obtained. In short: a completely manual process that serves to create truly unique jewelry and accessories.
The history of engraving
Embellishing accessories through engraving is an ancient technique, always linked to the goldsmith’s art. It was applied as early as the gold rings of the Minoan art of 1700 B.C., but also in the depictions of rings from classical Greece and in scenes engraved on table accessories of the Roman Empire. Medallions, buckles, and rings have always brought this technique to light, which was truly rediscovered during the Renaissance, becoming a symbol of particular artistic perfection.
In the intricate woven patterns of the most luxurious Renaissance ornaments, the intention arose to use the burin as a tool capable of creating true works of art, also made of reflections of light and shadow.
Today: Marco Bicego’s engraving
Today there is a special tool, the milled burin, which allows achieving, on the metal surface, the visual and tactile effect of silk, with effects particularly similar to small, very fine scratches.
Obviously, each craftsman has a unique and inimitable style and hand, the result of many years of experience. This makes hand-decorated jewelry even more special, especially when using the milled burin: the artist’s hand influences the final effect of the jewel.
Engraving: an art from the past
It is incredible to think that this ancient technique continues to be applied with passion and skill even today, setting aside technology in favour of the patience and craftsmanship of the artisans. The Master engravers use the burin somewhat like a pen, with which to imprint their signature on the jewelry they create.
With the aim of preserving engraving, linked to the past and the love for imperfection, Marco Bicego has chosen to make his jewelry, true unique pieces, with the help of this technique, allowing the precious items to speak to us through the smallest details. For Marco Bicego, the grooves created by the Master engraver’s burin create a jewel beautiful to see, but also capable of possessing a strong distinctive character, recognizable and unique. The experts of the Ferro family fell in love with this unique art when they discovered Marco Bicego’s precious pieces!
Discover Marco Bicego’s jewelry yourself at Ferro Gioielli. Admire the refinement of the made in Italy collections and let our experts guide you in discovering the precious piece best suited to you!
