Precious Metal Leaf by M. Swift & Sons
Used for thousands of years — from Ancient Egypt to modern architecture and design — precious metal leaf remains a material of exceptional beauty and durability.
At M. Swift & Sons, we apply modern precision and standards to this ancient craft.
Gold leaf
is ultra-thin sheets of real gold, beaten to a thickness measured in hundredths of a micron
It is prized for its unmatched brilliance, durability, and resistance to oxidation.
Key characteristics
- Made from high-purity gold (typically 22–23.75 karat)
- Does not tarnish or corrode
- Exceptional reflectivity and depth of color
- Long-lasting even in outdoor conditions
Applications
- Architectural gilding (domes, facades, interiors)
- Fine art and restoration
- Furniture and decorative objects
- Luxury branding and packaging
- Culinary and edible gold (where certified)
Silver leaf
offers a bright, cool metallic finish with a distinctive reflective quality.
It is softer and more reactive than gold, requiring protective coatings for longevity.
Key characteristics
- Made from high-purity silver (typically 24 karat)
- High reflectivity and crisp metallic tone
- More affordable alternative to gold
- Can be toned, patinated, or antiqued
- Requires sealing to prevent tarnish
Applications
- Interior decoration
- Iconography and restoration
- Artistic finishes and textures
- Furniture and design elements
Platinum leaf
represents the pinnacle of rarity and technological refinement.
Its neutral, cool tone and exceptional stability make it a material for the most demanding projects.
Key characteristics
- Made from high-purity platinum (typically 24 karat)
- Extremely corrosion-resistant
- Subtle, elegant metallic sheen
- High melting point and chemical stability
- Rare and prestigious material
Applications
- High-end art and design projects
- Contemporary architectural accents
- Scientific, ceremonial, and conceptual works
- Luxury branding and experimental finishes
Palladium leaf
offers a modern alternative to platinum with a similar visual character and unique physical properties.
Key characteristics
- Made from high-purity palladium (typically 24 karat)
- Light silver-gray tone
- Excellent resistance to oxidation
- Lighter than platinum
- Increasingly popular in contemporary design
Applications
- Modern interiors and installations
- Design objects and art pieces
- Architectural details
- Experimental and mixed-metal finishes
Copper leaf is valued for its warm, vibrant color and its ability to develop rich natural patinas over time.
Key characteristics
- Made from high-purity copper
- Warm reddish metallic tone
- Highly reactive surface
- Can oxidize into greens, blues, and browns
- Ideal for artistic and aged effects
Applications
- Decorative finishes
- Artistic patination
- Furniture and interior accents
- Contemporary and industrial design
Our Approach
Every leaf we produce reflects a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern control.
- Carefully selected raw materials
- Controlled beating and cutting processes
- Consistent thickness and surface quality
- Options for custom formats and applications
