Magento Commerce

What is a Repoussé?

(From the French - Pronounced ray poose ay) Repoussé is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is detailed or shaped by hammering from the reverse side of the metal. None of the metal is lost in the process, since it is basically stretched the surface of the metals remains continuous.

The is a relatively slow process, since all has to be hammered individually. Once the hammering is finished, the metal is polished up on the front which produces a three-dimensional bas-relief surface. Repoussé designs were very popular during the Art Nouveau period.

The terms repousse and chasing are sometimes confused, justifiably so. In both techniques, the metal is designed by hammering. In Repoussé the hammering is done from behind, and in chasing, the design is formed from the top with special metal punches.

Here are some examples Repoussé jewelry pieces. (click the pictures for more detail)

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