About enamel jewelry
Enamel jewelry is beloved for its glossy, colorful appearance. The material started to be in use in China and Persia back to the 1200s. 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.
Circa:1970s
Materials:18k Gold
Weight:18.9 Grams
Measurements:5 1/2" inner circumference x 1/8"
Hallmarks:18K
A vintage 18k gold bangle bracelet, accented with striking blue enamel details. The bracelet features a sleek open cuff design, with a boat-like shaped blue enamel inlay set in the center. Both ends of the bracelet are finished with arrow-shaped blue enamel accents. Sleek and flat, the bracelet can be styled with other bangles or worn solo for a clean statement. A fine example of vintage 18k gold jewelry with enamel accents, it adds its color and refined shape to your bracelet stack.
