Chasing

cha·sing | ˈchā-siŋ

noun

A method of decorating the front or outside of metal objects by making indentations using shaped punches and a chasing hammer

Chasing is an artistic technique used by jewelers to punch designs into the top portion of a metal piece of jewelry, causing the punched piece of metal to sink in. This jewelry technique has been used for many years. With chasing, a jeweler uses hammers and pencil-like steel tools that range from 4 to 6 inches in length to punch his or her designs into the metal piece of jewelry by hand. Chasing was especially popular in Europe during the first half of the 18th century, and in the United States during the second half of the same century. Chasing is the opposite of another jewelry technique - called repousse - in which the metal jewelry piece is punched from the inside to create raised design on the piece’s exterior. Some people also call the repousse technique “embossing jewelry.” The art of chasing can also be seen in other decorative arts, as artisans have used this technique to punch out metal for a variety of items including vases, statues, and figurines.

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