The Art of Raising and Repoussé in Silversmithing

Welcome to the fascinating world of raising and repoussé! These complementary techniques are fundamental to adding depth, dimension, and a handcrafted feel to your silver jewelry and metalwork. While they might seem intimidating at first, with practice and a little understanding of the principles, you can incorporate them into your silversmithing projects.

Understanding the Techniques

Let's break down what raising and repoussé actually are. Essentially, they're about manipulating flat sheet metal to create relief – to make it bulge out. Think of it like sculpting, but with silver!

Repoussé: The Push

Repoussé (pronounced ruh-poo-say) is the technique of *pushing* the metal from the front. You work from the front side of the silver sheet, using a chasing hammer and a variety of punches to gently push the metal outwards. The back of the silver will become slightly stretched and distorted. It's a slow and deliberate process that requires a feel for the metal's response to the hammer.

Raising: The Pull

Raising follows repoussé. It involves working the metal from the back side to shape the bulge created by the repoussé into a smooth, curved surface. You use a raising hammer (typically a planishing hammer) and consistent, controlled taps to stretch and thin the metal, gradually forming the desired curve. Think of it as 'pulling' the metal into shape.

Tools You'll Need

• Chasing Hammer: This is your primary tool for repoussé. It has a rounded face and comes in various sizes.
• Raising Hammer (Planishing Hammer): Used for raising the metal, creating smooth curves.
• Pitch: A thick, pliable material (often pitch or jeweler's wax) to secure the silver while you work. It's crucial to hold the metal firmly without marring its surface.
• Anvil or Steel Plate: A solid, flat surface to work on.
• Various Punches: These are specialized tools for creating specific details in repoussé.
• Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes from flying metal fragments.

Getting Started: A Simple Project

Let's imagine you want to create a small, raised silver pendant.

1. Prepare the Silver: Start with a piece of silver sheet, appropriate thickness for your project (around 18-22 gauge is good for beginners).
2. Secure the Silver: Place the silver on a pitch-covered surface, ensuring it’s held firmly.
3. Repoussé the Design: Using your chasing hammer and punches, gently push the design you want to raise out from the front. Don't try to create the entire form at once – work in small, controlled areas.

4. Raise the Form: Turn the silver over and carefully use your raising hammer to shape the back of the piece, smoothing the curves created by the repoussé. Take your time and be consistent with your taps.
5. Refine and Finish: Once the raising is complete, you can refine the form and add any final details.

Tips for Beginners

• Start Small: Don't tackle complex designs right away. Begin with simple shapes like domes or shallow bowls.
• Control is Key: Use gentle, controlled taps with your hammers.
• Practice on Scrap Silver: Experiment with different techniques and hammer angles on scrap silver before working on your final piece.
• Observe the Metal: Pay close attention to how the metal responds to your hammer blows.
• Watch Tutorials: Numerous video tutorials online can offer visual guidance.

Raising and repoussé are powerful techniques that can transform your silversmithing projects. While it takes practice to master, the results – beautiful, handcrafted pieces with depth and character – are well worth the effort! Happy crafting!