What is planishing in jewellery making?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Planishing is a metalworking technique where a jeweller or smith repeatedly hammers a piece of metal with a polished, slightly domed hammer head, pressing out surface marks and creating a smooth, even surface. Each blow compresses and refines the metal a little more, working away lumps, tool marks and irregularities left from earlier shaping. It is the finishing stage in hammer work, giving the metal either a bright, mirror-smooth look or, if done deliberately with a textured hammer, a decorative faceted finish.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between planishing and forging?
- Forging shapes metal into a rough form using heavier blows, while planishing refines and smooths the surface after shaping. Planishing is lighter, more controlled work done with a polished hammer face so it improves rather than moves the metal.
- What tools are used for planishing?
- The main tool is a planishing hammer with a smooth, slightly curved face. The metal rests on a polished steel stake or anvil that mirrors the surface underneath so the metal is supported evenly on both sides as it is worked.
- Can you planish gold and silver?
- Yes, both gold and silver planish beautifully because they are soft enough to respond to light hammer work. Jewellers often anneal the metal first so it is not work-hardened, which makes planishing easier and reduces the risk of cracking.
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