Lil

The Art of Hammering Metal

Hammering is one of the oldest techniques in goldsmithing. It consists of striking the surface of the metal with a goldsmith's hammer on an anvil, creating small, irregular depressions that fragment the reflected light into dozens of distinct glimmers. The result is a metal that appears alive, changing its appearance depending on the angle of the light.

In the Lil Collection, the metal pieces are hammered before being silver-plated, so the hammered finish is perfectly preserved and visible in the final piece. It is a process that adds time and cost to the item, but exponentially increases its aesthetic value.

The Lil Collection Models

    • Lil I: Two overlapping circles of hammered metal. The purest and most minimalist geometry in the collection.
    • Lil II: A heart of hammered metal. The quintessential handcrafted romantic gift, from €13.
    • Lil III: Three concentric circles of hammered metal. The progression of the rings creates a visual effect of depth and movement.
    • Lil IV: Three hearts stacked vertically. For those who want a stronger presence of the symbol of love.
    • Lil VI: A spiral of hammered rings. The most striking and artistic model in the collection, with several rings cascading from the leather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the hammering on Lil pieces done by hand?

Yes. The hammered marks on the metal pieces in the Lil Collection are the result of a goldsmith's handwork. This process is deliberately irregular: no two pieces have exactly the same hammered pattern, making each Lil necklace unique. If you compare two Lil III necklaces, you'll see that the texture patterns on the circles are different.

Does silver plating on hammered metal last as long as on smooth metal?

Silver plating on hammered metal is just as durable as on smooth metal, but it looks different over time: wear appears first at the points of greatest relief (the ridges between the hammer marks), creating a very natural and attractive aged silver effect that many wearers appreciate more than a new finish.

Do Lil necklaces go with handcrafted earrings?

Xauen Original offers handcrafted earrings that can be coordinated with Lil necklaces. The most elegant way to coordinate is to maintain the same style of metal piece—for example, hoop earrings with a circle necklace—but without repeating the exact same shape to create a coordinated yet not identical set.