What is a "Milgrain decoration" and how is it used? => 17 photos

 Any Milgrain decoration starts with the basic 'rotating gnurled wheel'. This decorating effect serves only one purpose and that is to enhance the overall 'Bright Cutting'.

 This essay is not a repeat of a previous topic dated Feb.3rd, 2024, but it's an interesting essay where this 'decorating process' can be used.

 This collection of Milgrain wheels was created if the need arose to develop more 'decorative patterns' in jewellery.

 This is the up-close view of the "Milgrain Wheel". This curved rod of steel has a decorating 'rotating wheel' located at the tip. 

 

 This is another version of a Milgrain wheel, you will notice that the rotating wheel indentations are closer together.

 Because of this, the Milgrain effect will be more precise and not so difficult to create. The 'Milgrain balls' will be quite small and closely knit. 

  When I chose to set these Emeralds on a yellow plate I wanted a touch of glamour. The answer was a Milgrain was the answer!

 But not wanting to use a rough-looking Milgrain tool, I chose to use only a gentle texture. Milgrain should enhance, but NEVER overpower the finish.

 When the rotating wheel is pressed against the edge of the metal wall then a series of 'mini-balls' is reproduced. This is the whole purpose of a "Milgrain Edge".

 

 In this collection of Milgrain wheels, there are 6 sizes of rotating wheels.

   All of these metal carving photos did not use any 'CAD' in their metal cuttings. 

 I chose to use a final decoration during my finished cutting namely just to enhance the pattern.

 

 Some of these patterns needed to be more visually enhanced, hence the Milgrain was used just to make the pattern more luxurious to the viewer.

This 'enhancement' effect is apparent in applying the Milgrain finishing touch.

  The Milgrain effect made this pattern look much more 'pleasing' to the eye.

 I found this pattern interesting and applied the Milgrain decoration during my apprenticeship years circa 1960+.

 I decided to do something novel to my ring by using the 'finishing effect' by applying the 'Milgrain' to the edges.

  I was asked to dismantle all of the diamonds, but I saw that there was a nice 'finishing touch to the edges'. I 'captured' this effect before it was destroyed. This ring was created in the early 1900's, it is the epitome of early luxury.

 I created this Pearl Butterfly, but to add a touch of beauty to the wings, I Milgrained the tip of the wire wings. Now the wearer can see each vein of the wings. This makes the wing much more visual and not just simple 'wires'.

 If I didn't put a little emphasis on the metal cutting, the lines would just blend in together. Only a Milgrain Edge can do the cutting justice.