Koftgari, How is it done?

[Pukka Bundook]

Thanks for the further information Jeff.

I'd love to have a bash at this, but my main weapon at the moment is ignorance!
From the link you provided, I see that the shapes were cut out and applied, but can imagine that on very fine, repetetive designs, this would most likely not be possible, and was wondering if a film of silver/gold was applied more-or-less over the whole area, then either;
(A) a shaped punch used to "set" the pattern, the remainder being removed afterwards, or;
(B)the whole area being set, then the graver used to remove the overlay where it wasn't required.

The latter would make recovery of the excess overlay material difficult though.

What got me wondering about this, is I have a tulwar that was decorated with tiny crosses, originally over the entire hilt, and can't for the life of me see how these wee crosses could have been cut out, and applied with such uniform regularity.
In this hilt's case, where the silver was, and has worn off, the base - metal is higher, than between the crosses, as though a graver may have been used, Or an acid etch, to give depth to the finished product.

Any thoughts?

Thank you again for all your help Jeff.
Richard.