The figurine has inlay of black niello (black coloured alloy) and some gilding. The setting is divided into four panels of entangled beasts inlaid with niello. The angels of the rim have strips ornamented with niello. The brooch is usually edged with niello and a gilded rim. The gold surfaces are punched to receive niello detail. These began to exploit the possibilities of niello for carrying a precise graphic style. Both pieces of jewellery are made from sheet silver and inlaid with niello and gold. These structural pieces are frequently inlaid with silver and niello. The technique of niello is also famously attested in prehistoric Greece. The feet have shoes, which are covered in niello, the legs being gilt. His dark backgrounds may have been inspired by Italian Niello prints. When silver was used, it was often done in the niello form. The metal where niello is to be placed is often roughened to provide a key. He would then use the niello inlay to fill in the "background". Niello has continued to be used sometimes by Western jewellers.