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Dear Calla, One of my boyfriends recently gave me a "die struck" pendant. Then another boyfriend up and gives me a "cast" pendant. Die struck? Cast? What's the difference? Which guy should I dump? – Distressed Dear Distressed, The Oxford dictionary defines "die" as "a device that stamps or cuts or molds materials into a particular shape". The old Ox defines "cast" as "to make an object by pouring metal into a mold and letting it harden." So sweetie, die struck pieces are basically made by mechanically hammering and pressing a thin sheet of gold onto a hardened steel die to make a pattern or impression. Often two or more pieces are then joined together to form a large but lightweight "statement" piece. Earrings especially lend themselves to this method of creation. A higher polish is also achievable because the hammered gold is denser than cast gold. But casting has been around for over 5000 years. An incredible variety of textures and forms can be created using this "mold" technique. Fine detailing and wild curlicues roam the territory of this kind of jewelry. So, which boyfriend should you keep and which should you tell to get lost? Based solely on their jewelry selection it's impossible to tell. How about flowers, though? Does either one give you flowers? – Calla |
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