Experimental survey on fluid brazing in ancient goldsmith' art

Abstract

Abstract The paper tries to show the essential role played by a brazing process in the manufacturing of filigree and granulation decorated ancient jewels. A purely experimental framework is proposed. Reasons for such a methodological choice are outlined and general protocols for a standard experiment are provided. Specific advantages for the accomplishment of the manufacturing process in all its stages are shown to be related to the employment of a fluid brazing solution. The concordance of the few available ancient sources, the simplicity of technique's application, as well as the jewels concretely produced during years of research in the field, highlight the plausibility of the adopted approach.