THE TECHNIQUES
Bugnato
The bugnato technique draws inspiration from the ashlar masonry work used to decorate the façades of several historical Florentine palaces like Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Palazzo Pitti. From this concept we have created a working technique unique in its kind. Using files of various grain sizes, an irregular surface is created which is then worked and finished with hammering and the use of special cutters and chisels.
With this technique we create a jewel with an ancient, but at the same time modern look. A type of workmanship that finds its maximum expression in our silver jewellery.
The art of “cuttlefish” casting of metal
With this ancient technique, the model in wood to be reproduced in metal is pressed directly into the soft, spongy side of the two halves of a cuttlefish that has previously been cut in two equal parts and flattened. After scoring the breather and the entrance channels for the molten metal, the two parts of the cuttlefish are fitted perfectly aligned and tied together.
The metal poured inside thus takes on the previously created pattern. After the casting, the burnt cuttlefish can no longer be used.
The jewel is finished with a file and a grinder before being decorated and embellished with other goldsmith’s techniques.
The Cesoro technique
The antique “Cesoro” technique, formerly used by ancient Mediterranean populations and in particular, by the Etruscans, consists of reducing gold wires into extremely fine gold plate. At the beginning of the eighties, Penko’s Belts were created, each formed by 250 links and more than 43,000 hammer blows, jewellery that is especially appreciated on the international market.
The innovative goldsmith’s technique of Penkato
“In 2008 Penko, already skilled in the techniques of all ages, knew how to move ‘beyond’, by creating an innovative and exclusive treatment for the surfaces of precious metals, that he christened ‘penkato’, a name that stems from the combination of his surname and the typical ‘bugnato’ (rusticated) features of Florentine palazzos.
With this technique, which avails of a diamond drill, chisel, and burin engraving, the goldsmith is able to develop in 3D the effect of the engraving that would be obtained by applying the classical engraving technique.
