Typology and Study of Manufacture and Decoration Techniquesof the Traditional Goldsmiths of Yazd

Manufacturing different types of goldsmiths by using hand and handmade crafts is the kind of art that is still employedin some places in Iran especially in Yazd. What can be taken from a chronological study of the goldsmithingin Yazd is that the current masters are taking advantages of previous masters’ heritage to preserve the especial valueof this local art in the region. The art of goldsmithing in Yazd is important due to the high purity of the appliedgold, variety of the motives and designs, and finally the delicacy of the handmade process. This article is tryingto review the specification and applications as well as design and construction methods of goldsmithing in Yazd,which is formed from local culture and traditions in many years. Here, we have used the analytical-descriptivemethod for technical and structural assessment and we performed the field researches and interviews with the mastersin this filed, due to the lack of previous studies and references. The result of the research has shown that basedon their application, these traditional goldsmiths are divided into the five different types including hair and headdecorations, ear decorations, neck decorations, hand and feet decorations and finally dress decorations. Their designscontain different motives that are inspired by natural elements, and also geometrical elements and design aswell as abstract motives. These goldsmiths can be also divided based on their manufacturing (saw working, castingand molding, forging), and decoration techniques (emboss working, enameling, stonesetting, filigree, granulation).