Annealing Annealing is the thermal recrystallization of metal in order to reduce stress caused by work hardening. After the metal is heated, the heat is held for a period of time after which the metal is allowed to cool. This process removes the brittleness making the...
Anodized Anodized metal is metal on which a conversion coating, composed of a stable oxide, to allow it to accept paint or electroplating, is formed. This coating can also be used for a number of cosmetic effects, either with thick porous coatings that can absorb dyes...
Appliqué Appliqués are decorative items of one material or metal affixed to another. Examples would be flowers or other small metal motifs riveted to a hardstone plaque, or a plaque of stone, enamel or other material applied to the top of a metal plate. Victorian...
Articulated An item composed of many movable parts to allow realistic movement is considered to be articulated. An example would be a snake link bracelet composed of many segments joined in such a way as to allow the bracelet to move in a snake-like manner....
Assay Assaying is a testing process that determines the purity of metal and the proportion of noble metals in an object. In some countries, such as Great Britain, this process is required by law and the results are stamped on the item. It is not required by law to...
