Beyond Gold and Platinum: Mokume Gane

In many ways the "ultimate" noble metal that one might consider for jewelry isn't gold or platinum but their slightly tan colored cousin iridium. With the possible exception of osmium (which is smelly and toxic) it's the rarest non-radioactive element in the earth's crust -- several times more so than either gold or platinum. It's even more chemically incorruptible than the other two, it's heavier (17% denser than gold and 6% denser than platinum), and it's much more scratch-resistant. There's also the additional mystique that most if not all of the iridium we mine comes from meteorite impacts and is therefore extraterrestrial. Unfortunately no one has come up with a way to work with it economically, mainly due to its absurdly high melting point and its glassy brittleness. The first artisan to tame iridium will surely take the world by the tail.

But in the meantime there's a metalworking specialty that's just as interesting if not more so called mokume gane (mo-KOO-may GAH-nay) which involves bonding as many as thirty alternating layers of differently colored metals; twisting, stretching, or otherwise heavily deforming the resulting mass; and then carving it into rings and such that display a riotously swirling agate- or woodgrain-like surface. Japanese metalworker Denbei Shoami (1651-1728) invented mokume gane to make ornamental handles for samurai swords. Metals used include silver; gold and differing hues of it such as rose, white, and green; shakudo (an alloy of 96% copper and 4% gold that develops a blue-black patina); kuromi-do (copper with a smidgen of arsenic); shibuichi (a pink copper/silver alloy); and various alloys of titanium and tungsten that can involve iron, nickel and molybdenum. They sandwich these layers and heat them to a temperature, which chemists call a eutectic, that's hot enough to cause the atoms to jostle and intermingle at the layer boundaries yet not so great as to melt the stack into an undifferentiated blob.

It's unquestionably a high art and something not everyone can pull off. Currently the best known mokume gane master appears to be Norio Tamagawa, whose family has worked the field for nine generations. You can Google the term yourself to find some good sources, but one of the most visible and accomplished is clearly James Binnion at http://www.mokume-gane.com

The preceding article comes from the "Curious Thing of the Week" section of my website. http://www.curiousnotions.com

---

The Skys the Limit when it Comes to Buying Sunglasses Online

There is a never ending supply of quality sunglasses options today, including discount sunglasses. Styles include polarized sunglasses, designer replica sunglasses and fake sunglasses, sports sunglasses, mirrored... Read More

How to Look Slimmer

No matter what their size, most women want to look slimmer. By wearing clothes that are appropriate for your body shape you can look as much as... Read More

How to Choose a Comfortable Pair of Shoes

You've finally worn out those comfortable old shoes that you have been wearing for years. Finding a good pair of shoes is a bit like trying to... Read More

Keep Your Flair of Style with Designer Reading Glasses

Reading glasses can be stylish and fashionable. There are many options in reading glasses today to give you that designer look. Well known fashion designers are even... Read More

Celebrities Like Their Pearls

Pearls never go out of style ? they are always a classy and traditional wardrobe accessory that will never disappoint you. But this year they are a... Read More

How to Choose Lingerie

In my business, I talk to a lot of gals and guys about lingerie. Ladies, if you heard what the guys say, you'd feel a lot better... Read More

Earrings Are A Fashion Statement!

Earrings are an important part of every woman's wardrobe, whether we are headed for a day at the beach, to the office, or to a wedding. Your... Read More

The Charming Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez was born in New Jersey in 1961 to Cuban parents. He studied at Parsons School of Design in New York, and upon graduation worked for... Read More

The History of Costume Jewelry

There is virtually no difference between costume jewelry and antique jewelry. Costume Jewelry dates back to the 1930s. By the definition of antique that would also make... Read More

Oakley Sunglasses! A Global Brand That Defines The True Meaning Of ?Vision?

It's amazing that it has been 30 years since the Oakley name has been introduced, and that this incredible brand of Oakley products originated from a man... Read More

Rabbit Jewelry: A Sign of Refinement

There is a certain delight that comes with the sight of rabbit jewelry. The motif is cute and cuddly, and the person wearing it may often be... Read More

What Your Handbags Say About You

You can tell a lot about a person from the clothes they wear, but you can also tell a lot about a person simply from the handbags... Read More

History of Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry

Back to the era of the Hawaiian monarchy, the origin of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry can be found. The Hawaiian kingdom had long enjoyed a favorable relationship with... Read More

Black - Fashion Constant But Do It Correctly

Fashion is changing. But one thing is should be constant - black. Nothing is boring about the newest fashion in New York and Paris. This is a... Read More

Kennith Cole Shoes

The Kenneth Cole men's shoes Reaction collection offers men everything from thong sandals to stylish dress shoes. This grandiose collection of footwear comes in all different varieties,... Read More

Body Art

There are several forms of body art. Body art can be temporary, for example, body painting, or permanent, such as shaping, dyeing, and scarification, tattooing, and piercing.... Read More

Pearl Jewelry Fashion Trends in 2005

A single strand of classic cultured pearls is always in fashion. Any woman who is looking for her first pearls will choose a white cultured Akoya pearl... Read More

Menswear ? Putting Together A Business Wardrobe - Part 3

It's easier for men to build a professional wardrobe, but as with many other things, it's getting started that is the toughest! Let's talk this time about... Read More

Bareback Teddies - Show Off Your Style!

By definition a teddy is a one piece undergarment combining a camisole and panty. In reality a teddy can be one of the most dramatic fashion statements... Read More

Panda Jewelry: an Eye on Our Endangered Wildlife

Thinking of an adorable motif to wear or give away to friends, but tired of cliches? Maybe you've bought too many ballerina figurines or puppy plushies. It's... Read More

Reading Glasses for Fashion and Function

It will happen to most of us baby boomers?one day we are easily reading a story in the newspaper and the next day we can't see the... Read More

Fashion Tips: 5 Ways To Look Fabulous in White

Do you see white in your future? No, I'm not referring to a wedding but rather your summer wardrobe. Nothing spells summer like white. While the temperature... Read More

Have a Cause? Wear a Rubber Wristband!

They are the hottest wearable right now, despite the fashion gurus adding the adjective 'once trendy' while referring to them. Yes we're talking about rubber wristbands. You... Read More

Copper Jewelry in Action!

Copper Jewelry is very nice-looking, but also it's a very healthy jewelry. Do you know much about how much copper is needed to our bodies? It's a... Read More

Womens Sandals Add a Touch of Elegance and Sex Appeal to Your Feet

Womens sandals are no longer simply the rubber thong style sandal of yesteryear, they have become a footwear fashion diva's dream, ranging from designer leather thongs with... Read More

Shopping Tips and Tricks to Finding the Perfect Pair of Shoes

This article will provide you with some useful shopping tips and tricks to finding a perfect pair of shoes.Following a recent advertising campaign I asked a number... Read More