10/08/2026
Fine Silver Granulation: How to Granulate in Silver
Fine silver granulation and 22K gold granulation are very similar, but there are a few important differences. In this video, I'm working with one of my Dr Goldsmith members, Jeane, who's visiting the studio and showing you exactly how I granulate in fine silver.
One of the biggest things to understand is that I'm not concentrating my heat on the granules and trying to make them stick. Granulation likes a thin back sheet, and I'm watching that sheet for the little wet, shiny appearance that tells me the surface is beginning to flow. With fine silver, I use a #0 torch tip and use the end of the flame like a paintbrush to move that liquid-looking metal underneath the granules and create the attachments.
Fine silver also gets a light coat of ochre on the back. When the top surface becomes liquid, the bottom can too, and that thin layer of ochre keeps the silver from sticking to the kiln. You only need a light coat because too much can insulate the metal and block the heat.
And when that silver surface becomes liquid, think of a waltz: one, two, three, then move on. You can always go back over an area. Once the piece cools, I look from the side for that little neck of metal connecting each granule to the back sheet. Learning to see that connection is one of the skills that comes with doing more granulation.
It was also so much fun having one of my Dr Goldsmith members visiting the studio and granulating with me in person!
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