A Guide to Die Stamping
The art of adornment can be traced back to the stone age. Over time, not only did the variety of materials expand, but the manufacturing technique also improved. New inventions led to applying the same machinery to produce other products.
One such example of this is the die stamping or die striking technique.
What is Stamped Jewellery?
Stamping as a technique can be traced back to ancient times when it evolved from the more laborious method of repoussage—Jewellery pieces from ancient times, such as necklaces and bracelets, utilised stamped patterns and parts extensively. Stamping as a technique was also used to produce coins.
Stamped jewellery is the process of creating jewellery through impressing, embossing or blanking. In stamped jewellery, a tool or die is struck in a metal sheet to shape the metal. Depending upon the design, thickness desired, et cetera, an appropriate stamping process is used. However, the underlying concept is using pressure to carve out a design.
What is Die Stamping?
One of the techniques by which this is done is known as die stamping. Die stamping can be done by hand as well as using machinery.
Die stamping is done by pressing fine gold sheets with a hammer into a specially designed metal mould called a die, allowing the creation of highly intricate and delicate pieces.
Designs for Stamped Jewellery
The designs used in stamped jewellery are often intricate and detailed. The artisans take advantage of the ability to showcase depth in metal at varying levels. This enables the artisans to showcase recessions and upturns in the metal. The individually stamped motifs are often then used with other motifs crafted using techniques such as granulation or filigree to showcase the skill and mastery of the craftsperson. Stamping allows the creation of highly stylised designs and exciting silhouettes.
History of Stamped Jewellery
Stamping’s roots are often loosely related to repoussage. The repoussage technique involves hammering out metal from the reverse side. Embossing is the opposite technique. The main aim of these techniques was to create designs through the force of pressure.
Die stamping was improvised by adapting the technique of coin stamping. The metal stamping was done in various ways, such as embossing through impact pressure, blanking, impressing, et cetera. Coin stamping was used to produce coins and medals of intricate designs starting from the ancient civilisations.
In the industrial revolution, the stamping process became mechanised, allowing die stamping to flourish.
How is Stamped Jewellery Made, and What are the Techniques Used?
In the case of die stamping, thin sheets of gold or other metal are pressed into a mould, which is also made of metal. Next, the metal sheet is pressed (or ‘struck’) into the mould using a hammer or a strong hydraulic press. Finally, die special moulds the metal sheet according to the design of the mould. The mould can also be textured to add additional detail to the piece. Finally, the moulded element is removed, filed, or sawed until clean & smooth.
This process can be repeated multiple times to create multiple identical pieces. Die stamping is a mechanical process. However, artisans still need skills to press them and not deform the shape properly. The individual pieces are then linked together to create a beautiful piece of jewellery.
In jewellery making, there are various stamping techniques such as blanking, embossing (in case of embossing by impact pressure) or impressing. It depends on the designer’s end goal and the effect they would like to achieve.
Die stamping is extremely helpful in maintaining the consistency of designs and in producing vast quantities of motifs. In addition, the technique is a testament to how human brilliance has enabled us to create beautiful art pieces.
These individual motifs are assembled in repeating patterns or a mosaic-like design. These elements are assembled by being set in plaster and then soldered together.
Die striking and casting may resemble similar processes as they both use moulds. However, die striking uses solid metal, while casting uses molten (melted) metal. Die striking is also a more intensive process than casting, making it unsuitable for mass manufacturing. Die-striking jewellery also requires highly skilled labour as the process is entirely hand fabricated. The result is unparalleled pieces of jewellery that are indeed a celebration of intricate craftsmanship and inspiring luxury.
Tools Required for Making Stamped Jewellery
The different tools required for making stamped jewellery depend upon the technique used. However, the standard tools used die moulds, sealing wax, punch, hammer, epoxy resin, anvil die, steel rods, metal shaping blocks, pliers, blanking die, saw files, sandpaper, et cetera.
Types of Stamped Jewellery
Stamped jewellery can be categorised depending on the technique used to make them. These techniques are embossing, blanking, and impressing. These techniques have different ways of achieving them, such as hand coining (relief stamping), mechanical coin striking, stamping press, impressing using pattern stamping, et cetera. While the core process remains the same, it depends on the type of design and metal thickness that determine the method that is ultimately used.
Care and Maintenance of Stamped Jewellery
Like all good things, jewellery requires care and attention. To ensure the shine of your stamped jewellery, we encourage customers to clean it regularly using mild soap mixed with warm water and a soft brush. Stamped jewellery has intricate details and bumps on its opposite side. Keeping it clean is vital to ensure dust or grease does not gather there. We recommend not wearing stamped jewellery while exercising or swimming (in any water body). We also recommend not wearing it while you carry out heavy or cleaning chores.
To store it safely, ensure the boxes are cleaned regularly and in a cool and dry place
Where To Buy Quality Stamped Jewellery
At PureJewels, our core philosophy is celebrating luxury and craftsmanship. Therefore, preserving traditional crafts and working in harmony with modern methods is essential.
Our Rosette collection is a testament to this. The entire collection is created using die-stamping. The collection is delicate and whimsical, inspired by blooming roses — the queen of flowers. The collection celebrates you and your achievements on your life’s journey. The 22ct gold’s glow has an allure of its own.
All our products come in presentation boxes and are hallmarked, making them ideal for gifting.
