Bright, colourful, and unique, enamel jewellery is very popular. You have probably heard the term ‘enamel’ before, but what actually is it?
Enamel is a fine powder, almost like icing sugar, that is sifted onto metal surfaces and then fused at high temperatures. The result is a glassy smooth and usually brightly coloured surface that coats the metal.
Enamel is usually used for protection or decoration of jewellery, and is very durable. The enamel can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, depending on how many metal oxides there were in the powder and at what temperature they were cured. More durable and translucent enamel is created at higher temperatures and opaque (but more brittle and softer) enamel is made at lower degrees.
There is a wide variety of colours too: over 200 coloured powders can be created by mixing, and different colours can be achieved by layering enamel coats on top of other coats. For example, if a coat of yellow enamel is layered on top of blue, green is created.
Enamel jewellery is very popular and famous for its uniqueness, and the variety of colours and the ways it can be used. It is also very fascinating to work with, so many designers choose to work specifically in this field. They work mostly on their own than under brand names, choosing to focus on unique individual pieces rather than mass production. Such artists are Ilgiz Fazulzyanov, Alice Cicolini, Holly Dyment, and Australia’s own Debbie Sheezel.
Ilgiz Fazulzyanov is world-known for his exquisite contemporary enamel designs and is one of the most famous enamel jewellery makers.
There are some brands that produce enamel jewellery, like Piaget and Hermés, however, they only sell some enamel pieces, rather than having their whole assortment, as does Frey Wille, done in the enamelling technique. Frey Wille is arguably the most famous enamel jewellery manufacturer known for its skilfully hand- decorated designs based on the works of 19th and 20th-century artists.
With the immense variety of enamel jewellery you can get a piece that suits almost any outfit. Varying in colours from white through pastel to bright and bold, and varying in styles from small and elegant to chunky and expressive there are many options to choose from.
Carefully selected enamel jewellery can be worn to almost any event or place, as it can be simple and small, but still be that thing that you can effortlessly throw on to completely transform an outfit.
Do not wear enamel jewellery during heavy exercise. It is a fused glass and may shatter, chip, or even crack if impact occurs on a hard surface such as concrete or tile. Enamel also does not do well in contact with chemicals. If you are cleaning the house or doing laundry, it is better to take off your jewellery.
Attention should be paid to the storage of the product as well: earrings are better kept in separate containers to avoid chipping one another and rings and necklaces should be put in a soft storage box that prohibits jostling with other jewellery.
To clean enamel jewellery soak your piece in warm soapy water (use gentle soap) for five - ten minutes. Then wipe off any dirt with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry gently with a lint free cloth.
