Engraving: an art from the past

Engraving is an art that comes from the past. Starting from this assumption, it is undeniable that gold jewelry, if engraved, often acquires even more charm. Not only to the touch, but also to the sight: thanks to engravings, chiaroscuro effects can be created that make a precious item truly unique. Marco Bicego knows this well and has chosen to use this refined technique, called “bulinatura”.

Engraving: what is it?

In the world of goldsmithing , the engraving technique consists of creating designs on the gold surface of the jewel by tracing some thin grooves. To create them, the ancient tool of the burin is used, that is, a small rod of tempered steel, equipped with a wooden handle and a sharp tip, created specifically to remove a curl of metal. Obviously, the depth of the engraving depends on the size of the tip of the burin: based on it, in fact, different shapes, silhouettes and widths can be obtained in the engraving. In short: a completely manual process that is used to create truly unique jewels and accessories.

The history of engraving

Embellishing accessories through engraving is an ancient technique, always linked to the goldsmith's art. It was applied since the gold rings of Minoan art of 1700 BC, but also in the representations of rings of classical Greece and in the scenes impressed on table accessories of the Roman Empire. Medallions, buckles and rings have always brought this technique to light, which was however truly rediscovered in the Renaissance, becoming a symbol of particular artistic perfection.
The intent to use the burin as a tool capable of creating true works of art, also made of reflections of light and shadow, was born in the particular weave of the most luxurious Renaissance ornaments.

Today: Marco Bicego's engraving

Today there is a particular tool, the millerighe burin , which allows you to obtain, on the metal surface, the visual and tactile effect of silk, with effects particularly similar to small, very thin scratches.
Of course, each craftsman has a unique and inimitable style and hand, the result of years and years of experience. This makes hand-decorated jewelry even more special, especially if the millerighe burin is used: the artist's hand influences the final effect of the jewelry.

Engraving: an art from the past

It is incredible to think that this ancient technique continues to be applied with passion and manual skill even today, leaving technology aside in favor of the patience and manual skill of the craftsmen. Master engravers use the burin a bit like a pen, with which to imprint their signature on the jewels they create.

In order to preserve the engraving, linked to the past and to the love for imperfection, Marco Bicego has chosen to create his jewels, truly unique pieces, with the help of this technique, allowing the jewels to speak to us through the smallest details. For Marco Bicego, the grooves created by the Master engraver's engraving create a jewel that is beautiful to look at, but also capable of possessing a strong distinctive character, recognizable and unique. The experts of the Ferro family fell in love with this unique art, when they discovered Marco Bicego's jewels!

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