noun
- plural of niello; a black metallic alloy of sulfur with silver, copper, or gold, used as an inlay on metal surfaces for decoration
Usage: technical; art and metalwork
Examples
- The ancient brooch was decorated with intricate nielli inlays.
- Medieval craftsmen used nielli to create striking contrast on silver vessels.
- The sword's hilt featured elaborate nielli work depicting hunting scenes.
- Nielli gave the jewelry a distinctive dark appearance against the polished metal.