Gemstone Foiling Techniques

An examination of gemstone foiling techniques from ancient times to the present. This highly effective technique has been largely forgotten by today’s metalsmiths and is due for a revival. The modernization of diamond cutting led to foiling becoming a forgotten technology, despite the large number of metalsmiths who use gemstones besides brilliant cut diamonds. Modern foiling methods are an easy and effective way to improve the light reflection in gemstones and this skill should be a part of the modern metalsmithing lexicon.