Italian Jewler Claims to Uncover Secrets of Etruscan Granulation

The Etruscans achieved a mastery of a goldsmithing technique called "granulation" that to this date baffles scientists. The technique involves creating intricate patterns on jewelry by assembling clusters of extremely tiny, independent round granules of gold. The result is a stunning piece of art without modern parallel.

Now, an Italian jeweler and goldsmith from the Lazio region of Italy claims to have unlocked the secrets of these Etruscan techniques, according to Discovery.com. While he will not reveal the details of the technique in full, the man claims to prove his mastery over this technique by demonstrating jewelry reproduced in his workshop that rivals -- with granulation even more refined -- the work of the Etruscans.

The ingredients to the jeweler's recipe reportedly include mixing powered gold, powered charcoal and a specific type of wood in an oven, then applying a vegetable-based liquid which acts as a bonding agent when reheated.

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