Replacing Etching.

I want the cow shrine I'm making to be wonderfully decorative, as traditional Shrines generally are. To achieve this, a suitable technique would be etching, It really is a beautiful technique, but unfortunately requires the use of harsh Nitric acid. Which is why I've got to explore other suitable techniques that can possibly match/compare to the intricate detail that comes out when etching.

eg.1. Etched Bangle by Virginia Vivier

eg.2. Etched silver, Sarah Alford

Techniques that I would use to replace etching could be-

 - Piercing- then layering pierced plates (to give a sense of depth).

 - Roll Milling - Giving the metal an indented texture or pattern.

 - Engraving- Perfect technique..... but i need at least a million years practice before i dare. 

 - Chasing- adds the same sort of depth dimension as engraving would, I suppose (yet less detailed).

For this pendant I think I'm going to use piercing and roll milling layered together, maybe also small accents of chasing.