Reticulation: A Happy Accident
Reticulated silver has a blistered, swirling texture that looks like the surface of the moon. No two pieces are alike, which is part of its appeal - even the two pieces in a pair of earrings will be slightly dissimilar. Once heated to the right temperature, the silver begins to bubble and ripple into ridges and melt into patterns. It's a bit like alchemy and much like... well... the moon.
Silver sheet - before the fire.
Composition: Heat is applied to a sheet of sterling silver until the metal starts to shift and rumple up. It's then dunked in pickle and vigorously brushed with a brass brush. This process is repeated until desired texture is achieved, or until the silver cries uncle. Too little heat does nothing, while too much heat can leave the metalsmith staring at a sad little puddle of silver.
The alchemy kit.
History: Reticulated silver first appeared in late 19th-century Czarist Russia. I assume some fledgling jeweler overheated their carefully procured silver and then decided to make the best of it. Nevertheless, Peter Carl Fabergé loved it. In 1917 reticulation began to spread to the surrounding Scandinavian countries, finally making its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the shores of North America, in the 1960s. 
Add Fire.
Beauty in Imperfection: Many people are drawn to reticulated silver because of its raw, elemental, and organic appearance. It is often associated with transformation, resilience, and surviving the pressure and heat of life. Some feel the rippled surfaces resemble water, sand, or ancient landscapes formed over time. Others simply enjoy the fact that the silver has personality. 
Time for a pickle.
Modern Popularity: Today, reticulated sterling silver is used in everything from bold cuffs to minimalist earrings. Some metalsmiths darken the deeply organic patterns with oxidation to emphasize its texture, while others prefer the bright satin finish. This technique remains popular because it creates silver that feels tactile, artistic, and unmistakably handmade. And in a world full of perfection, reticulated silver refuses to behave.
