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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

1

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