The Granulation Technique
Granulation is a goldsmith's decorative technique dating back to 2600 B.C., whereby very small gold or silver granules or spherules are used on the surface of objects in metal decoration with no apparent solder. Granulation can be applied in designs or lines to form textures or designs. There are three main techniques that can be used to attach small granules to a metal surface: hard soldering, fusing, and colloidal soldering. Often used with filigree work (as seen in our recently bought Bezalel-styled Spice Container), granules are soldered to the wire ends or to the center of the design. Although the technique has been known since ancient times, it was revived in the 19th century, and together with the filigree technique, has become identified with Jewish Yemenite jewelry.
