Goldsmithing is the artistic work carried out by goldsmiths, called ‘orfebres or orives’, with precious metals. The term ‘orfebre’ comes from the Latin ‘aurifaber’, artificer.

Craft techniques include the fussion of gross material, purifying the metal and melting it, hammering and battening, cutting, polishing, platting and gilding, making mechanical joints and assemblies, welding, ‘lost-wax’ smelting, etc.

Different techniques are used for decorating the pieces, such as tipping, printing, filigree, granulated, etc. The metals carved by the artisan are silver and gold or precious metals, or alloys of them. Religious goldsmithing is a traditional craft in Andalusia since ancient times but it raises its splendour during the Renaissance, and it continues strong linked to the demand of religious objects for the processions of Easter and religious worship.