---
title: What is chasing?
description: "Every fine jewellery piece tells a story, not only through its shape and stones, but through its **texture and detail**. One of the most intricate and expressive techniques used to bring metal to life is called **chasing**. At **PureJewels**, where…"
url: "https://www.purejewels.com/faqs/goldsmithing-techniques/what-is-chasing/"
updated: "2026-04-14"
category: Goldsmithing Techniques
---

# What is chasing?

Every fine jewellery piece tells a story, not only through its shape and stones, but through its **texture and detail**. One of the most intricate and expressive techniques used to bring metal to life is called **chasing**.

At **PureJewels**, where craftsmanship and cultural heritage converge, **chasing** is a technique that reflects our deep respect for hand-finished artistry.

### Chasing Defined: Drawing with Tools, Not Ink

**Chasing** is a traditional metalworking technique used to **engrave, shape, or decorate the surface of metal**, using small chisels and hammers to create **low-relief designs, lines, textures, or patterns**.

Unlike engraving, which cuts into the metal and removes material, **chasing displaces the surface**, pushing and forming the metal from the front without removing volume. This creates beautifully **raised or indented details**, often by hand.

### How is Chasing Done?

1. **Design Transfer**: The pattern or motif is sketched or marked on the surface of the gold or silver.
2. **Tool Selection**: Special chisels, called *chasers*, are used, each with different tips for lines, curves, or textures.
3. **Hammer Work**: The chisel is lightly tapped with a chasing hammer to impress the design into the metal.
4. **Polishing & Finishing**: Once the chasing is complete, the surface is polished — or left matte for contrast.

For added effect, chasing is often combined with **repoussé**, a technique where the metal is shaped from the reverse side to create depth from both directions.

### Why is Chasing Important in Jewellery?

- **Artistic Detail**: Allows for fine patterns, floral motifs, scrollwork and textures, all without using gemstones.
- **No Metal Loss**: Since chasing doesn’t cut into the metal, it preserves purity and weight.
- **One-of-a-Kind Craftsmanship**: Each chased piece is unique, shaped by hand and eye, not machines.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Chasing has been used for centuries in Indian, Middle Eastern, and European goldsmithing, especially in traditional bangles, pendants, and ceremonial jewellery.

### Chasing at PureJewels

While many modern brands focus on casting and mass production, **PureJewels honours heritage techniques** like chasing — especially in bespoke 22ct gold pieces and hand-crafted bridal collections.

Our artisans use chasing to:

- Add **symbolic motifs** to bangles or pendants
- Highlight **script or monograms**
- Create **texture and contrast** in heirloom jewellery

This technique reflects our belief in jewellery as not just an ornament, but **artistry in gold**.

### Chasing vs Engraving – What’s the Difference?

| Feature | Chasing | Engraving |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Method | Pushes/displaces metal surface | Cuts and removes metal |
| Tool Used | Chisels & chasing hammer | Sharp engraving tools or machines |
| Purpose | Decorative detailing | Decoration or inscriptions |
| Depth | Typically shallow, surface-level | Can be deeper and more precise |

### Final Thoughts: A Quiet Craft of Enduring Beauty

**Chasing is the whisper of the jeweller’s hand**, gentle, precise, and rich with intention. In a world where machines do more, chasing reminds us of the irreplaceable value of human craftsmanship.

At **PureJewels**, we embrace chasing as a way to preserve our goldsmithing legacy. It allows us to turn gold into canvas, and jewellery into storytelling.

## FAQs

**Q: Is chasing done by hand or machine?**
Traditionally, chasing is done by hand using specialised tools. It can also be enhanced by modern techniques, but handcrafted chasing carries more artisanal value.

**Q: Can chasing be done on all metals?**
Yes — chasing can be performed on gold, silver, copper, and platinum. At PureJewels, we most often use it on 22ct and 18ct gold.

**Q: Does chasing affect gold purity?**
No. Chasing works with the surface of the metal and does not remove material, so the gold remains just as pure as it began.