Pot metal jewellery is jewellery made from a base metal alloy that is melted in a pot or crucible and poured into molds to create jewellery. The alloy has a low melting point. It is typically made up of a mixture of metals such as zinc, tin, lead, and copper. However, it could even have bits of silver that are melted down along with other metals. It can be seen in ethnic adornments of various tribes of the world, including India.
Pot metal is used in hilly and/or rural areas to imitate more expensive metals. It is used to create statement making, ornate pieces of jewellery that are affordable. However, there is no metallurgical standard for pot metal.
Why is Pot metal used
Pot metal, in a way, is more sustainable that other base metal or alloy. In the melting process, it uses up leftover scraps of metal, broken components, and old jewellery. It is a great way to recycle and reuse metal. It is prevalent in areas where more expensive metals like gold and silver were not readily available or affordable. I have heard several traders from Northern and North western India refer to pot metal jewellery as “Pahaadi Gehna” (jewellery worn in the hills).
Problems with Pot metal
However, pot metal jewellery is not as durable or long-lasting as higher quality metals like gold, silver, or platinum. It is be prone to tarnishing, discoloration, and breakage. Depending on the exact materials used, the alloy can distort or crack when casted into components having intricate ornamentation. Additionally, some pot metal alloys contain lead, which can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when making pot metal jewellery.
What is Coin metalCoin metal jewellery is made by using coins. While it the term refers to the technique of melting coins and casting them into new jewellery, it has also been used to refer to jewellery made by flattening/shaping coins by hammering them or drawing them through a mill rather than melting them. When coins of different metals are melted together, they result in pot metal. Therefore, sometimes coin metal is described as pot metal.
I have seen melting and casting of pot metal once in India and once in Nepal where the results were very good. I have tried it once at a lab in college and failed miserably. Since the melting point depends on the actual metals thrown in, it requires an experienced eye to watch over it. It may not have a quality standard to adhere to. However, pot metal jewellery continues holds immense cultural significance in India. For those interested, pot metal vintage Kashmiri bangles and necklaces shown in this post are available for sale.
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