Have you ever heard the word "guilloché"? If you haven't, that's OK, it's not a commonly used word. But I'll bet you've probably seen guilloché items or might even have a piece of guilloché in your jewelry box and not even know it!
Here are some exame examples of guilloché:
Guilloché is a process of decorative engraving in which a very detailed design is cut into a metal surface. This is typically done by machine, which is capable of making a fine repetitive pattern. The piece can be left alone at that point (think of the pattern around a metal thimble), or filled in with colorful enamel and baked.
Can you see the repetitive pattern in the seafoam green background of this item (below)?
Another beautiful example of the guilloché technique:
Lots of detail went into this little pin:
I think it's fun to learn something new, so when you are at a rummage sale you can comb through a jewelry pile and pick out some of the good stuff, like the guilloché pieces. They are definitely worth more than everyday costume jewelry.
Mitzi
