Enameling is the process of bonding glass to metal at high temperatures. The glass is formulated to adhere to metal, and is ground into small particles for application. Enamels have the gloss, depth, and transparency of glass, as well as the solidity of metal.
Enameling has come through time and across many national boundaries to today, where artists enamel for preciousness, beauty, and permanence. It can be an arduous and time-intensive medium, some pieces taking many hours and firings to complete.
Additionally, the artist must usually master metal working techniques as well. Vessels have to be formed before enameling, and jewelry pieces have to be set after the enameling is completed. If you have ever wondered why some enamel work seems expensive, keep in mind the time and craftsmanship that may go into a piece. This is particularly true for plique-à-jour works. There is no way to hurry this technique.
Cloisonné
Cloisonné is an enameling process in which “ribbons” of wire are bent into shapes to form line patterns and compartments. The wire shapes are adhered to a metal base that has a base coat of enamel already fired onto it. Colored enamels are then applied and fired. Additional layers of enamel are added and fired until the height of the enamel is as high as the top of the wires. The piece is then ground flat, and re-fired, or polished to a matte finish. The earliest example of cloisonné comes from sixth century BC Greece.
Champlèvé
In champlèvé areas of the base metal are lowered by gouging or etching, or raised by soldering pieces of metal on top. The lowerareas are filled with enamel to come up to the height of the raised areas.
Basse-taille
Basse-taille is a method of enameling in which the metal to be enameled is first textured by various metalworking techniques, such as etching, engraving, stamping and chiseling. This texture catches light in an interesting way under layers of transparent enamel.
Enamel Painting - Limoges
There are several enameling techniques in which enamel is applied in a painterly manner, usually referred to as “Limoges.” The carrier used may be either water or oil. There are also liquid enamels that have been formulated, including acrylic-based enamels. There are many ways to create shape, shade, and line with enamel. Special pencils and crayons can be used to make drawings. Sgraffito is the method of scratching through an unfired layer of enamel to reveal the metal or underlying layer of contrasting color. Enamel may also be applied dry by sifting it on. Each of these methods of application looks different after the piece is fired.
Plique-à-jour - pierced method
Plique-à-jour is a technique that can be similar to cloisonné in that thin flat pieces of wire are bent into shapes and enameled without a backing so that you can see light through the enamel. In Russian style plique-à-jour, the wires are soldered together to form a unit. Transparent enamels are then applied and fired. In the Japanese technique, the wires are attached to a metal base, which is etched away in an acid bath after several layers of enamel have been fired on. In a finished piece of plique-à-jour there is no base metal on which the wires rest. This gives a stained-glass effect, in that one can see through the enamel. More modern methods of plique-a-jour include piercing metal then adding enamel to cover these decorative openings or using a metal screen or wire mesh to create the translucent stained glass window effects that are so enjoyable.
Torch-fired Enamel
The enamel is fused to the metal by heating with a torch,
rather than by firing in a kiln.
Miscellaneous Techniques
Many artist are experimenting with new and original forms and combinations of techniques. Enameling offers the artist an exciting range of possibilities.
We invite you to closely examine the wonderful enamel finishes on our Jewel & Keepsake Boxes where you will find exceptionally beautiful renditions in Victorian, art deco, baroque and classic or traditional styles, each offering a wide variety of subjects including floral patterns, birds, dogs, cats, wildlife, dolphins, fish and even woodnymphs.
We also hope you will thoroughly review our magnificent collection of Swarovski crystal jewelry presented in superb examples of personal pins and brooches. They are a feast for the eyes and make wonderful rich gifts to those for whom you care the most.
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wire shapes are adhered to a metal base that has a base coat of enamel already fired onto it. Colored enamels are then applied and fired. Additional layers of enamel are added and fired until the height of the enamel is as high as the top of the wires. The piece is then ground flat, and re-fired, or polished to a matte finish. The earliest example of cloisonné comes from sixth century BC Greece.
metal to be enameled is first textured by various metalworking techniques, such as etching, engraving, stamping and chiseling. This texture catches light in an interesting way under layers of transparent enamel.
without a backing so that you can see light through the enamel. In Russian style plique-à-jour, the wires are soldered together to form a unit. Transparent enamels are then applied and fired. In the Japanese technique, the wires are attached to a metal base, which is etched away in an acid bath after several layers of enamel have been fired on. In a finished piece of plique-à-jour there is no base metal on which the wires rest. This gives a stained-glass effect, in that one can see through the enamel. More modern methods of plique-a-jour include piercing metal then adding enamel to cover these decorative openings or using a metal screen or wire mesh to create the translucent stained glass window effects that are so enjoyable.
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