A few years ago I decided it would be smarter and more economical to recycle the silver ‘end bits’ my wife and I generate during our jewelry making rather than selling them as scrap. Since I also make copper sculptures, I thought to combine my copper ‘off-cuts’ with the silver to make a
75% CU : 25% AG Shibuichi alloy. Shibuichi is a Japanese term for one part in four, which is the standard ratio for Shibuichi, but it can also be varied.
75% CU : 25% AG Shibuichi alloy. Shibuichi is a Japanese term for one part in four, which is the standard ratio for Shibuichi, but it can also be varied.
   | Once the metals are melted in a crucible a little borax is added to help remove impurities and the metal is poured into an ingot mold about 7mm x 45mm x 75mm. After cooling, I usually saw it into 3 or 4 more manageable pieces and then hand forge each piece while at ambient temperature until it is about 60% of the original thickness. During this process, I also anneal the ingot several times. These pieces are then rolled and forged to the desired thickness for the project in mind, continuing to anneal as needed. I like to utilize the “happy accidents” which occur as I roll and forge the Shibuichi into thinner sheet. It also reticulates very well with some quite random results. I’ve been able to apply a patina with LOS & other chemicals, solder additional metals to it and apply keum-boo to the reticulated Shibuichi with good results. So far, I’ve made earrings, bracelets (link and anti-clastic), brooches and pendants from the Shibuichi. I feel Shibuichi is an unexplored medium with lots of secrets yet to be discovered while nicely fitting into the “green” jewelry field. Questions about Shibuichi? Feel free to contact us! We love to talk shop. |
This short Shibuichi article was originally submitted to Green Jewelry News for publication. If you're not familiar with Green Jewelry News, do subscribe! You won't be disappointed: www.greenjewelrynews.com
