Niello is something similar to Enamel. It is a black metallic amalgam consisting of several metals. The word ‘niel’ in Thai means ‘black’. Niello has been produced only on silver by the same methods as Enamel. Unfortunately, this delicate and minute art has become almost extinct. It survive in Thailand (Siam), where only the most skilled artisans still practice the intricate processes used in the making of this unusual jewelry.
Producing a fine piece of Niello is an operation calling for great skill, patience and precision. First the design are engraved or drawn manually upon the smooth surface of the sterling silver. The background is tapped down or sometime used the acid reaction, and then filled with Niello. The piece is then carefully heated over a fire until the black Niello filling fuses. After it has cooled, the surface is filled down and highly polished until it presents the appearance of smooth jet black metal enriched with an exquisite design of vividly contrasting silver. The design on every pieces must be engraved by skilled craftsman once more for the final finish. Ordinarily, to produce a piece of Niello Silver Ware, generally, there are four main steps to be done by hand in this process, shaping, drawing (design), Niello filling, and engraving respectively.