The art of goldsmithing: creating beauty with precious metals
Goldsmithing is one of the delicate and ancient arts in which beautiful ornaments and decorative objects are created using precious metals such as gold, silver and other precious metals. This art has been popular throughout history in many cultures and civilizations and has a long and brilliant history in Iran.
A short history of goldsmithing in Iran
Goldsmithing has been popular in Iran since ancient times and has been used in making ornaments, dishes, weapons and decorative objects. With the arrival of Islam in Iran, this art was influenced by Islamic art, and geometrical designs, plants and Kufi lines are abundantly seen in it. In different historical periods, goldsmithing in Iran reached its peak of prosperity and unique works of Iranian artists have remained.
The stages of goldsmithing
Goldsmithing is a complex process that requires very high precision and skill. The main stages of goldsmithing are:
- Design: First, the initial design of the desired jewelry or object is drawn by the designer.
- Preparation of metal: the desired metal (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) is prepared in the form of ingots or wire.
- Modeling: Using wax or clay, the initial model of jewelry is made.
- Molding: the wax or clay model is placed in a casting mold.
- Casting: molten metal is poured into a mold and after cooling, the shape of the work piece is obtained.
- Polishing: The cast piece is polished using different tools and given the final shape.
- Jewelry: If needed, precious and semi-precious stones are installed on the jewelry.
- Plating: To increase beauty and durability, the surface of jewelry is plated.
Tools used in goldsmithing
To perform goldsmithing, various tools are used such as pliers, scissors, tweezers, solder, torch, magnifying glass, hacksaw, and sanding stone.
Jewelry applications
Gold-plated objects have a variety of uses, including: - Jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and other jewelry
- Dishes: cups, bowls, plates and other decorative dishes
- Decorative objects: mirrors and candlesticks, small boxes and other decorative objects
The importance of goldsmithing in Iran
Goldsmithing is of special importance in Iran. This art is not only a valuable cultural heritage, but as a handicraft, it plays an important role in creating employment and economic prosperity. Also, goldsmithing, as a living art, continues to evolve and innovate, and contemporary artists create new and creative works inspired by traditional designs and techniques.