Etching with hand-colouring in gouache

An intaglio technique in which a metal plate is covered with an acid-resistant layer, known as a ground. The image is drawn through the ground using a sharp tool, revealing the metal underneath. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath and the exposed metal is ‘bitten’, creating the lines that hold the ink. Once inked-up, the plate is rolled through an etching press and the image transferred onto paper.
Highlights are added using gouache to create the effect of optical reflections on the diamonds.