What is "niello"

Niello \Ni*el"lo\, n. [It. niello, LL. nigellum a black of blackish enamel, fr. L. nigellus, dim. of niger black. See Negro, and cf. Anneal.]

1. A metallic alloy of a deep black color.

2. The art, process, or method of decorating metal with incised designs filled with the black alloy.

3. A piece of metal, or any other object, so decorated.

4. An impression on paper taken from an ancient incised decoration or metal plate.

5. An impression on paper taken from the engraved or incised surface before the niello alloy has been inlaid.

n. 1 Any of various black metal alloys, made of sulphur with copper, silver or lead, used to create decorative designs on other metals. 2 An impression on paper taken from the engraved or incised surface before the niello alloy has been inlaid.

Niello is a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal. The Egyptians are credited with originating niello decoration, which spread throughout Europe during the late Iron Age and is common in Anglo-Saxon, Celtic and other types of Early Medieval jewellery.

Niello may refer to:

• Niello, a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal
• Roger Niello (born 1948), American politician, representative in California State Assembly
• Niello (rapper), Swedish rap and electronic hip hop artist

Niklas Grahn better known by his stage name Niello is a Swedish rapper and electronic hip hop artist. His name derives from niello decoration made of mixture of copper, silver, and lead, and used as a weapon on engraved or etched metal. He is signed to Warner Music Sweden.

Niello gained fame through his initial release "Svett". But it was with "Legenden" released in June 2013 featuring Phantomen that he had great chart success reaching Top 3 on Sverigetopplistan, the official Swedish Singles Chart.