How To Reticulate Sterling Silver and Can You Stamp Out Reticulated Sheet

Andrew is on lockdown for the next few weeks and is producing films based upon what you want to see.
Please reach out to him by what ever means you can and ask him some questions that he can make films about. It may be something simple or just a thought but please reach out to him so he can make some content for us all to keep us entertained over the next few months.
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#AtTheBench #reticulation #lockdown
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[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

I also punch the discs from the back. Then the reticulated side goes into the absorbent material underneath and zero damage risks. 👍🏻

[@fruSkeide]

I wondered why he didn't do that

[@wonbadood8243]

Thanks Andrew. I usually place the textured/patterned side facing down in the disc cutter without the cardboard. The punch is then hitting the back of the piece. No damage to the texture as long as you don't stamp it through on to a hard surface.

[@DuoCon-corde]

wonbadood yes that is what I thought; no cardboard just turn it upside down 🤔

[@pdoubleyou7801]

Ha ha, your bloopers section really highlighted the fact that I'm not loosing it, or if I am, I'm not alone. Great video. I had heard that 'reticulation silver' was 80% silver (from a US based KZbinr). And as I couldn't seem to find that in the UK, I'd not pursued reticulation. Now I know that's not the case, Thank You.

[@Leena79]

I've done reticulation before, I love how organic the surface can look. Thank you for the tip with the disk cutter, I've avoided using it with reticulated pieces out of fear of ruining them. 💗

[@martynfryer]

Looks fabulous! That will be an hour well spent in my shed this morning. Thanks Andrew.

[@Oldtanktapper]

Good video! I see a couple of people asking about other alloys and pure metals, so thought I’d add a couple of my own observations about the process. Pure metals like copper and fine silver won’t get the true reticulation effect but can get an interesting texture by partially melting them. Reticulation relies on the difference between the layers of pure and alloyed materials. Other standards of silver can reticulate very well, 80-20 silver copper alloy will get a very good result but can’t be stamped sterling. Gold alloys can work but I’ve not tried them myself, though there is a bit of research I found online. It seems to be a less reliable result but can work.

[@susanjones4910]

Ive just binge watched everything i wanted to learn, many thanks for your very clear instruction 😊

[@sas1uk185]

Thanks SO much Andrew, your films will keep me going during Lock down! Sas

[@stephaniesummers7452]

I had to laugh, you mentioned lock down. just filming this in March...boy little did we know 9 months later and still under lock and key! gosh. Thanks for all of the streaming you have been doing. Thanks for being my mentor.

[@allanthompson9695]

Looks like the Moon surface Andrew. Thanks for your videos and teaching. Total respect to you both. Wonderful couple.

[@nicknapier8209]

Hello Mr> Berry, as you can probably tell from the way I write I don’t have the same accent you do. I’m from Indiana USA. Ive watched several of your videos and am very happy with the way you explain things and camera work. I’m 74 years old and am just now starting to dabble in jewelry work your tips and techniques have been very helpful. Thanks again for the excellent videos, I’m going to consum as many as I can!

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

Excellent job Andrew!! My first collection of work over a two year period was fully reticulated work. I reticulated almost every day and it was always so much fun! You never know what you’ll end up with. I made the suggestion to the metal, of what I was looking for, and the metal made is own decision in the end. Hahaha!! Keep up the great work and stay healthy!

[@Ken_Dalton]

Believe it or not, this is second time this week I watched a channel showing how to do this reticulation technique lol.. But always love my Mr berry vids.. One good thing bout this, is the extra uploads.. Thank u Andrew 👍

[@abrumarci]

Hello Sir, this is the first time I heard about reticulated silver. So much information beautifully explained in your films! I'm not a silversmith and also not a jeweler but I use to make simple earrings and bracelets using semiprecious stones and, more recently copper as can be seen on my Facebook page called JustBecauseLeather. Thank you for making these films and spreading the knowledge!

[@christopherj3367]

Could you make a video about the safety pickle ? Thanks in advance.

[@eivindkofod1774]

Thanks for new info: I have seen many videos of reticulation and read articles but never have I heard about the depletion first. I guess we are many that will go play now.

[@tobykrell7762]

I use reticulation quite a bit and you explained specifics in a way that help me understand the chemistry? and be more precise. Also appreciate your social distancing comments that you're at loose ends, given your expertise. Makes me feel better about struggling to get in the shop. Going to try something new to me to motivate. Ideas- videos about fusing and free form casting (melting on my block) as that is what I do. Using a bezel block. Also, want to set some very small oval stones. Not sure how to create tiny bezels and work with them.

[@jandeeg152]

Stay healthy and in one piece, Andrew!

[@jody2873]

Did not know that was the science of reticulation! Thanks!!

[@SC-rb2jr]

These are the some best instructional videos I’ve come across, not just on jewellery. Thank you!

[@Johnbro8]

Hi Andrew, experimented with copper sheet, melting silver scraps on top. Wonderful patterns, give it a go

[@tammygurl64]

Cool! That's what I was looking for when my search brought me here. I have copper discs and wanted to know if I can create something cool by melting 999 Fine Silver on top of them. I'm still learning and there's sooooooo much to know! 😀

[@Johnbro8]

@@tammygurl64 . Just make sure the surface is cleaned, you will get some wonderful patterns chasing the melted silver round the copper, with the torch as the silver reticulates.

[@clarewillison9379]

15 centimetres square?!? I want to see you making earrings for elephants! 😂

[@johnabbotts1706]

As usual very informative. Thanks Andrew.

[@kassemkarim7579]

Fantastic video exactly what I have been interested in lately. As for further ideas can’t remember if you have done one on keombu.

[@ejmcdonald]

Thank you for the clear explanation. Gives me courage to try reticulation now and not worry about wasting my precious metal!

[@janguntrip3724]

Hallo Andrew I think your videos are great and always clear especially for a beginner like me. Would be interested in actually knowing how or if reticulate silver can be soldered. Also have you done a video on setting stones into a ring Many thanks Jan

[@SC-bg8wf]

Perfect tuition

[@shadowmihaiu]

Thank you so much for this. I appreciate you sharing not just basic techniques but advanced like this one - and always throwing in pro tips (like the corrugated cardboard here) as well! Invaluable!

[@sabinedr4492]

Tx for this great video! Question: can one add a setting or prongs to a reticulated piece of silver? Stay safe, have a nice day.

[@clarewillison9379]

Fantastic! I’ve been hunting for a book from childhood for decades with no joy

[@zombpocolypseiscomin]

Mokume demo! I'd love it!

[@oniapleasants4787]

Love the bloopers 🤣🤣

[@SC-rb2jr]

Great video. So clear. I did not know about the need to remove the copper from the surface.

[@tammygurl64]

This is cool. I saw some earrings I assumed were just plain melted 999 silver but after seeing this, I'm fairly certain this was the process used to make them. Thanks!

[@maureenchandler4371]

very good Andrew I have a punch cutter that I got for Christmas and anxious to use it. first time I watched reticulation happen. I also learned alittle more about fine silver . thanks one again. cheers. Mo Maureen Chandler

[@smeeaswell]

Hi Andrew. Loved this video. never knew about this way of texturing. given me great ideas! One thing I would ask you to demonstrate ,totally unrelated, is putting a hinge on a locket. thanks and keep safe.

[@101mosioatunya]

For further ideas, Andrew, how about electroforming of natural items - leaves, twigs etc.?

[@wbaldwinflippingmad]

Great teaching videos.

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing. Well I guess I have been living under a rock as I have never heard of this technique before today . I have learned something today. 🇨🇦👍😎

[@janaston4330]

Loved this video Andrew. I’m going to have a go at this shortly. Many thanks.

[@13zaraza]

Thank you Andrew! I like your videos and the way you are explaining. I will try reticulation these days.

[@HouseholdDog]

Hey Andrew. Hope you are keeping safe. Cheers from Melbourne.

[@cncrichard1]

I enjoyed this video as i do all your others. It was an excellent explanation of reticulation.

[@moviebuffbabe5651]

Very nice and informative as always :-D ty Andrew.

[@4thdimensiontravels855]

Tricks youd never learn any other way. Thank You Andrew. Great video. Just subbed.

[@mena95lt1vet]

please Andrew show how to make a silver and turquoise squash blossom single. Thank you.

[@EmmaFieldAU]

Seriously found this video so helpful! Thank you for explaining everything so clearly

[@davidlindy273]

Thanks yet again for such a great piece of instruction.

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

This look so good thank you verry much.

[@sejaaguia8020]

Such a great lesson! I love it! Thank you for sharing!!

[@gerryannbrown9645]

Andrew, that was so cool. thanks for teaching me that!. I will try that eventually . Love your videos.

[@elisabethhancock8803]

Great video thanks. Could you not bypass the problem of flattening the reticulated piece of silver in the disc cutter if you put the sheet in upside down so the disc was cut from the back?

[@almapizarro647]

Thanks for this video. I will play With this technique. Please do a video on prong settings and tube settings.

[@JayDub_143]

Also, can you do a video on building your own step bezel please.

[@tressaamir566]

Thanks Andrew, great video. Any tips for soldering on to reticulated metal without the solder running in to the texture?

[@EricEustace]

You can use yellow ochre or even white out to keep solder from flowing in different areas. Make sure to clean it off before you put in the pickle (particularly with yellow ochre, it contains iron in it and will plate your silver, making it extremely difficult to get off)

[@almapizarro647]

@@EricEustace white out? Do you mean fluxing the surface you're going to solder. Putting the piece to be soldered and around it using the white out as a barrier?

[@user-gi9kx2bn7k]

Great video! Regarding the use of the cardboard in the disc cutter: what would have happened if you had reversed the piece with the reticulated side down? Would that have protected the surface? (The challenge, I suppose is not knowing where the part you want to cutout is...)

[@patmontgomery7386]

Brilliant! I love reticulation, you explain the process so well. Can that disc be slightly dapped? Empathize regarding the social distancing...here as well, we’ll get through this!🇨🇦

[@seanok3376]

Another great video Andrew! Thank you for your uploads. I'm a long time video watcher but first time commenting. As per your request for new topics and videos demonstrations. I'm very interested in Argentium Silver. Have you much experience with this silver or it's history sort of speak? I look forward to many more of your future videos, and please remain safe and healthy. Sean.

[@gabrielkirkbaca2910]

I use Argentium silver and absolutely love it. They used it for trophies , placks etc. The reason I love useing it , no oxidation. Maintain shine for an extremely long time.

[@seanok3376]

Is it as easy to work with as sterling or fine silver? Is it forgiving in other words?

[@louisaharveyjewellery]

Great tips Andrew. I assume that the same principles would apply if using a dapping punch and block - add a circle of cardboard to protect the reticulation?

[@Atthebench]

Paper, or cardboard yes

[@dlgraves11]

Thank you for the great video, I think a great video would be how to do the metal part of inlay jewelry making.

[@gilliansprott5487]

Great video thanks. Can you please do a video on setting a druzy quartz cabachon in a bezel setting.

[@josefeidler]

Whoo. You use the metal tweezers to take the silver out of the pickle? Are these special ones. I use normally plastic or cooper tweezers.

[@lindacreatore1628]

YEP, I WONDERED ABOUT THAT AS WELL!!

[@karineweisshuhn-atelierkap8627]

Thank you for explaining things!

[@Christyj62011]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much!

[@ma1900bi1900]

Wow good Tutorial danke

[@JayDub_143]

Beautiful technique. Andrew what type of pickle do you use? I have always been warned "only copper tweezers in the pickle" yours are regular tweezers or am I missing something? 😁

[@Atthebench]

Just regular safety pickle with regular stainless steel tweezers

[@HipThrowBarb]

I think problems occur when you use the pickle for both silver and copper metal and then put stainless steel tweezers in there. It coats the silver with copper.

[@jimbettridge3123]

Thanks Andrew!

[@artjewelsz]

Thank you, that was a great video, very helpful

[@Tsukikao]

Thank you for the video :) Can you tell the brand/model of the torch you're using please ?

[@billb22]

It was an awesome video thanks I’m going to have to give that a try

[@lilielouise3576]

Is it possible to solder a bezel onto a reticulated piece? How can I make a tight joint since the surface is uneven? Thank you for the video!

[@Poecilia1963]

I was thinking about this the other day for a different patterning technique I use. What I came up with was to try using some kind of hard round (or whatever) cylinder and hammering it down onto just that one spot. The end of a dapping tool? Anyway, I think you could make a flat area that way. There's probably a pro way to do it but I don't know. Haven't tried it yet though.

[@garethbaus5471]

This process sounds a bit like how tempered glass is formed, but with a ductile material.

[@trippingonrocks1165]

That was very interesting, thank you.

[@garrodanne1630]

Thank you, loved it! 🙏

[@Junoshelly]

Hi Andrew, do you recommend a thickness for this. Is it better to use thinner over thicker? Stay well. I too am locked down for 12 weeks 👩🏻‍🦱

[@EricEustace]

Thicker metal is better. If it's too thin then you risk melting holes in your silver (it happens quickly so be careful) I usually reticulated 16-20 gauge. 22-24g is kind of pushing it

[@marypeck6878]

Thanks for your great videos. I love the tip with the cardboard. Couldn’t you also have just turned the textured side down in the disc cutter, to protect the texture?

[@benzedira]

Thanks for the method 🙏

[@ma1900bi1900]

Thank you so much beautiful

[@joannahagens8189]

thanks for this video! and the tip about the cardboard when using the disc cutter! Could you please make a video of the little discs which I see in jewelry that have a very organic look to them......I have tried reticulating a disc but still dont get that puffy look around the edges......how are people doing this? thank you! Its the kind of look to use with fused branches....very organic!

[@malcolmthompson9848]

why not put the reticulated surface facing down when stamping and eliminate the cardboard?

[@pattyknight9606]

As always, great video, Andrew, thanks. But do I see you using steel tweezers to reach into your pickle? I have only used copper tweezers.

[@Atthebench]

They are stainless steel tweezers which are ok with pickle

[@pattyknight9606]

@@Atthebench thank you, Andrew!

[@edspencer5122]

Your propane torch is so curious. I just bought the Orca Torch - it was the only mini air/gas torch available here in the U.S. I do like it but wondered if there were smaller tips available. Thanks so much and PLEZ stay well.

[@bobdeoliveira9258]

Ed, I believe the little smiths torch Andrew mentions is made by an American company?

[@edspencer5122]

@@bobdeoliveira9258 Bob called it something like Seigret and then the Smith torch separately. The Smith torch requires two lines, fuel and oxygen. Bob's torch only has one line. This why I asked the question, his seems to be air/propane.

[@keelygreen6455]

Can you reticulate copper? If so, are there any nuances I should know about?

[@petegau]

Could you use your EZ torch

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

And I LOVE the Bloopers!!!!! 🤣

[@cynthiajacobsen7781]

Blue Dawn dish soap and wire brush clean all fire scale of

[@tommarsh2339]

What if we just used fine plate ???

[@lindabanning140]

Couldn't you just insert the metal with the reticulated side down so it doesn't take the direct blow of the hammer?

[@ScrapDMX]

Great video. I didn't know about this technique, but i will certainly try it someday. Does this work on other metals like brass or alpaca?

[@bobdeoliveira9258]

If I use slightly thicker silver say, 1mm, could I reticulate both sides, Andrew?

[@tamaran7257]

Same question here. Wondering if you can do both sides.

[@randymurray934]

Nice it looks like the moon

[@kevinmcconnaughey]

Andrew, I haven’t tried reticulation before but this looks really interesting and simple. Thanks. One question. Would it work to just put the reticulated surface facing down in the disc cutter? I would think that only the back would experience any planishing and the only pressure on the reticulated surface would be at the cutting edges? Or am I missing something?

[@Atthebench]

Kevin McConnaughey Its sounds so obvious but yes that works too

[@albertpartridge6716]

hi Andrew when i went to my classes the lady showed us reticulation, she did not do that all we were shown to do was just to use the torch and keep it moving until you got the required pattern you wanted and there was no copper came through.

[@tammygurl64]

Hi. I'm trying to learn and understand this so may I please ask... were you torching sterling silver or perhaps melting fine silver since there's no copper in fine silver? I'm just curious as to what exactly your process was to get the same end result. Thanks!

[@nancyennis2443]

Can an earring post be soldered to this reticulated disk?

[@katbak8742]

What kind of acid is the one we deep in the heated piece ?!

[@um5785]

Next dome the cut out disks, a slightly greater challenge as I recall.

[@lindaclark4025]

Thanks Andrew. Can you tell me if you have done this with 9ct gold? I'd like to know if it's possible before I go ahead, thanks

[@davidgoldberg4873]

How do you make a box , push click , bracelet connector

[@gabrielkirkbaca2910]

Can yellow and white gold be reticulated ? Would like to have seen a finished piece

[@daniellelooije1193]

Can you make a video about how to make a Chevron ring?