About Breitling Brand
Breitling is a renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The brand was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in the Swiss Jura region. Initially, the company focused on producing precision chronographs and timers.
Breitling played a significant role in the development of the modern chronograph. In 1915 they introduced the first independent push-piece for the start, stop, and reset functions. This innovation separated the functions of the chronograph from the crown, making it more user-friendly.
Another milestone in the company's history happened in 1942 when Breitling released the Chronomat. This model featured a circular slide rule on the bezel, which became a signature feature of many subsequent Breitling watches.
The maker solidified its connection to aviation by introducing the Navitimer in 1952. This iconic pilot's watch featured a built-in slide rule for navigation and became a favorite among aviators.
After Léon Breitling's death, the company was taken over by his grandson, Willy Breitling. However, due to economic challenges in the watch industry, the brand faced difficulties during the quartz crisis.
In 1982, Ernest Schneider, a Swiss pilot and businessman, acquired Breitling. Under Schneider's leadership, the brand experienced a revival and regained its status as a leading luxury watchmaker.
In the 2000s Breitling made a significant move towards vertical integration by introducing its first in-house movement, the Caliber 01. This marked a shift from using third-party movements to manufacturing its own.
In recent years, Breitling has focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The brand has introduced eco-friendly packaging and emphasized ethical practices in its manufacturing processes.
Breitling continues to be a symbol of precision, innovation, and aviation heritage. The brand's watches are highly regarded for their quality, functionality, and distinctive design elements, making them popular among watch enthusiasts and professionals alike.
About enamel jewelry
Enamel jewelry is beloved for its glossy, colorful appearance. Enamel has been in jewelry making since the 1200s in China and Persia. It was flourishing again during the Art Nouveau era and had its comeback in the 1970s.
Multiple iconic pieces, such as Panthere De Cartier, Webb Kingdom Collection or the VCA pieces from 1920s are still sought after. Today enamel is also widely used in jewelry design.
Enamel is a specifically formulated glass powder or a paste applied to a metal. After the application it gets heated up to 950°C.
Here are some of the most popular enameling techniques in jewelry making:
– Plique-a-Jour
It's the most complicated to execute among enameling techniques. Plique-a-Jour was especially popular among such Art Nouveau artists as Rene Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Peter Carl Faberge. The name can be translated from French as “to let light in”. The method allows light to go through the piece and make it glow. It's done by applying the enamel powder in between the little metal sections while using the foil to hold it together. After the enamel solidifies, the foil gets removed. This process creates a stained-glass appearance with delicate colors and lights coming from within.
– Cloisonné
Cloisonné – or hard enamel – is done by layering enamel past the metal line. But first the design is stamped into a metal base. Then it gets polished down to the level of the metal. Due to the lengthier process, Cloisonné is considered more durable and higher quality.
– Meenakari
This technique begins with the design being engraved onto the metal. Then the enamel is filling the etchings. To achieve a vibrant color that meenakari jewelry is famous for, the piece is polished with organic acids. A layer of the transparent enamel finalizes the process.
We have a great selection of enamel jewelry online, or you can see it in person while visiting our store in Beverly Hills.
