acid-etched- The use of an acid, such as Nitric acid, to etch a design onto a metal such as Sterling Silver or Copper.

casting- Casting is a process by which a material such as Silver is introduced into a mold while it is liquid, allowed to solidify in the shape inside the mold, and then removed, producing a fabricated object or part. The finished product is also called a casting.

dripped wax process- Dripping wax onto a surface to build up a design. The finished wax piece is then made into a mold and is cast. see: casting, lost wax casting.

lost wax casting- A type of casting in which wax is used to make the original piece that is made into a mold.

precious metal clay- A clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and small sculpture, consisting of very small particles of precious metals (such as silver or gold) mixed with an organic binder and water. Once the clay is worked, then dried, it is fired in a kiln or with a hand-held torch. The binder burns away, leaving just metal. The resulting object is smaller because the binder has been removed and results in a finished piece of .999 fine silver.

precious metal clay paste- A paste formed of precious metal clay