I am often asked about my Sterling Silver Reticulated jewelry and what sort of technique it entails. In metalwork, reticulation refers to a surface-finishing method that involves multiple applications of localized heating and cooling to the surface of sterling silver sheet metal resulting in an incredibly dramatic texture of wrinkling, rippling, and curling.

I work with sterling silver sheet metal, which is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper, as my base material. Using a propane torch, I heat the metal until it reaches its melting point. This process typically occurs relatively quickly. Once I notice some movement on the silver, I proceed to "pickle" the piece by immersing it into citric acid. By gently scrubbing the metal with a small brush, I remove any copper oxide present, revealing a pure metal layer. Depending on the desired texture and pattern, I may repeat this torching and pickling procedure up to 10 times.

True reticulation seems likely to remain the domain of the artist-jeweler. It takes finesse and practice and doesn't lend itself to assembly line production. Reticulation is not difficult, but it does take practice, concentration, and a deft torch hand. The pattern and appearance of a reticulated piece is not predictable; you never get the exact same results which of course makes my hand-made jewelry unique.