Jewellery-making has played a fundamental role in the creation of both ornamental and symbolic objects, evolving through the centuries with techniques designed to shape precious metals like gold and silver. These metals have been used since antiquity for jewellery, coins, and sacred objects, contributing to the material culture of past civilizations. The art of gold and silver crafting has deep roots, dating back to Ancient Egypt, flourishing in Greek and Roman civilizations, and reaching new heights of perfection during the medieval and Renaissance periods.
The earliest crafting techniques: Egypt and Rome
The use of gold dates back to prehistoric times, but it was with the Egyptians that goldsmithing techniques truly advanced. Thanks to its malleability and resistance to corrosion, gold was used to create jewellery, amulets, and sacred objects. Egyptian artisans primarily employed casting and hammering to shape gold into the desired forms.
Filigree, a technique involving the intertwining of extremely thin gold wires, became widely popular in the Greek and Roman periods. The Romans perfected this method, using it to craft intricate jewellery and decorative ornaments. Another commonly used Roman technique was gold hammering, in which gold was beaten into ultra-thin sheets, then applied to decorative objects or used to create coins and ceremonial vases.
Filigree and repoussé in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, goldsmithing continued to flourish, particularly in Europe, influenced by Byzantine culture. Filigree remained a dominant technique, frequently used to craft jewellery and religious artifacts. This period also saw the rise of repoussé, a technique in which metal is hammered from the reverse side to create raised, three-dimensional motifs. It was widely used to decorate sacred objects, including crosses, chalices, and ecclesiastical items.
Many gold and silver objects from this era were created for liturgical purposes. The beauty of these works lay in the artisans’ ability to combine intricate techniques like filigree with repoussé, shaping metals into elaborate and detailed forms that became symbols of devotion and artistic excellence.
The Renaissance: innovation and complexity
The Renaissance ushered in a revolution in goldsmithing. Italian master goldsmiths adopted new techniques, refining the lost-wax casting method, which allowed the creation of more intricate and detailed designs. This technique was used to produce sculptures, vases, and decorative objects, as well as exquisite jewellery crafted from precious metals like gold and silver.
During this period, advancements in enamelling and decorative methods enabled artisans to blend the beauty of metal with vibrant colours, giving jewellery a richer and more spectacular appearance. The Renaissance was marked by an unprecedented level of artistic and technical mastery in goldsmithing.
The 18th Century: elegance and classical precision
The 18th century saw the emergence of neoclassical jewellery-making, characterized by a return to simplicity and clean lines inspired by antiquity. Techniques like metal screen printing and die stamping became widely used, allowing goldsmiths to create refined, elegant pieces that reflected the understated beauty of the neoclassical style.
During this time, silver continued to be used for high-value artistic pieces, often commissioned by aristocrats or given as diplomatic gifts. However, the use of silver for decorative purposes declined in favour of its practical applications, such as coin minting and household objects.
Modern techniques: casting and laser engraving
The 20th century brought significant technological advancements to the world of gold and silver craftsmanship. Lost-wax casting remained a key technique, but it was complemented by modern innovations such as laser engraving, which allows to obtain incredibly precise and intricate detailing.
Advancements in metallurgy introduced new metal alloys, such as platinum and tungsten, expanding the creative possibilities for jewellers. Today, many traditional techniques like filigree and repoussé continue to be practiced by skilled artisans, preserving the artistry and craftsmanship of historical goldsmithing while integrating modern precision techniques.
Cavinato Dino: tradition and innovation in gold and silver crafting
Cavinato Dino seamlessly blends traditional goldsmithing artistry with modern technology to create handcrafted jewellery of the highest quality. The process begins with metal fusion and wire drawing, followed by die cutting and CNC precision machining. Each stage—from bench crafting to hand polishing and laser engraving for personalized details—is meticulously executed to ensure an exceptional final product.
By combining time-honoured techniques with cutting-edge innovations, we create jewellery and medallions that embody both tradition and contemporary artistry.
The evolution of a timeless craft
The historic techniques of gold and silver craftsmanship are the result of millennia of refinement and innovation. Each historical period has left its mark on the tradition of jewellery-making, from ancient civilizations to the modern era. Today, skilled artisans continue to preserve traditional techniques, passing down the passion for gold and silver craftsmanship and creating timeless pieces that embody beauty, functionality, and deep symbolic meaning.
