The Florentine finish is one of the most revered hand-engraving techniques in Italian goldsmithing, transforming polished 18K gold surfaces into a rich, fabric-like shimmering texture.
1. The Metallurgy of Italian 18K (750) Gold
| Alloy Type | Gold Fineness | Secondary Metals Ratio | Vickers Hardness (HV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18K Italian Yellow Gold (3N) | 75.0% Pure Gold | 12.5% Fine Silver + 12.5% Copper | 120 – 140 HV (Annealed) |
| 18K Florentine Rose Gold (4N) | 75.0% Pure Gold | 9.0% Fine Silver + 16.0% Copper | 140 – 160 HV (Work Hardened) |
| 18K Palladium White Gold | 75.0% Pure Gold | 15.0% Palladium + 10.0% Silver | 130 – 150 HV (Naturally White) |
The Bulino Tool & Crosshatch Precision
Master engravers use a hardened steel chisel called a bulino. By cutting microscopic parallel grooves spaced less than 0.1mm apart in crisscrossing diagonal lines, the surface scatters light in all directions, eliminating harsh specular reflections in favor of a soft velvet sheen.