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ETAL INLAY is one of
the traditional metals
techniques from Japan.
This heart-shaped pendant features
metal dot inlay, but other inlay
techniques include line, shape,
nunome, and more. This project
is great for beginners who want
to learn dot inlay. It uses pre-cut
copper as the base metal, but you
can use brass or create your own
shape to change the design.
Gilding is a fun way to add colors
on your metal pieces, and this project
includes a gilded fi nish. Colored
silver leaf is made only in Japan, and
you cannot believe how many color
choices they have. Enjoy adding more
colors and essence of Japan in your
next jewelry project!
GET READY
1
First you will need to make a push
chisel. Traditionally, carbon steel
blanks are used to make various
chisels, but here we’ll make one from
a steel nail instead.
2
File down the tip of your steel
nail and create a fl at circle on
the top. Tap gently with a coarse
fi le 15-20 times to create a rough
surface. This texture will prevent
the tool from slipping when you
push wires.
3
Anneal fi ne silver wires. To
prevent melting them during
annealing, coil up the wires, then
color some areas with black
permanent marker. Use a soft fl ame.
When the black marker disappears,
the wires are annealed.
INLAY
4
Mark the area to dill. Center
punch, then drill with #43 drill
bit. Clean up the burr.
5
Mark the area to inlay. We will
use 20g, 22g, and 24g fi ne silver
wire to inlay.
Japanese metal dot inlay and gilding finish make this
heart pendant a standout By Momoko Okada
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4 5
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Essence
of Japan
22 LAPIDARY JOURNAL JEWELRY ARTIST
22 Okada_EssenceOfJapan_mayjune20.indd 22 3/16/20 3:36 PM