Undoubtedly, enameled jewelry has been a trend in 2022, and will continue to be so this 2023. These jewels give a touch of color that brightens the eye and our mood. However, this type of jewelry has been used for thousands of years for its vibrant and bright color. Today at Planderful we will tell you everything you need to know about the enameled jewelry trend, stay reading.
What is enamel in jewelry?
Enamel is a colored coating that has been used in jewelry for centuries. It consists of melting powdered and colored glass onto the metal of the jewelry through a heating process. The powder melts and grows and hardens to form a smooth, glazed coating that is very durable on metal, glass, or ceramic. In this way, the heat melts the glass powder, which has become enamel. The jewelry is then allowed to cool slowly.
The properties of enamel are excellent as it is soft, resistant to mechanical or chemical aggressions, durable, can maintain bright colors for a long time, and is non-combustible. Its durability has given it many functional and aesthetic applications.
History of the art of enameling
Throughout history and in all civilizations there has been, to a greater or lesser extent, the cult of adorning our body, not only with an aesthetic function. The symbolic function has a lot of weight, especially in certain civilizations where the decorative elements will mark the rank of power or social status. The religious or spiritual function linked to superstition can be seen in jewelry or stones as a talisman.
As for aesthetic function, jewelry has always been a sign of distinction or elegance. All kinds of jewelry that have been found in burials as precious objects, or in paintings, have allowed us to study the type of pieces used in each civilization and ancient jewelry.
As early as ancient Egyptian times, enamel was used to protect and embellish pottery and jewelry. The ancient Greeks usually worked it on tiles, some of which are still preserved in the Palace of Minos at Knossos. The Persians, the Byzantines, and the ancient Chinese civilization made use of enamel for the decoration of metal elements and pieces of jewelry. During the Middle Ages, enamel experienced its true age of splendor, being used to give beauty and light to liturgical objects and reliquaries.
If you want to know more about the history of enameling, we recommend this article: Enameling History and Revolution
At the beginning of the 20th century, enamel began to be applied to advertising posters. As we can see, the art of enameling has evolved considerably thanks to today's technology. Nowadays, enameling has adapted to the fashion and new trends of the moment, combining quality, design, and modernity in areas such as interior decoration or jewelry.
Most important enameling techniques
Cloisonné
Cloisonné is the oldest method of enameling. First practiced by the ancient Egyptians, cloisonné enameling has been adopted by many cultures, ancient and modern. It consists of making alveoli called cloisons, by attaching thin metal wire strands to a metal surface.
Crushed glass enamel of various colors and optical properties is then placed in the various alveoli. Through the repeated application of the enamel, cloisons are achieved. The result is an enameled jewel, decorated with a pattern of colors separated by polished metal wires.
Guilloche
Guilloché is intricate art with circular patterns on a metal surface, painted with clear enamel. The color of the enameled spaces builds up in the etched lines, which enhances the pattern and gives it depth and a sculpture-like appearance.
Pliqué-a-jour
Pliqué-a-jour, is one of the most beautiful and difficult enameling techniques, similar to cloisonné, but with no metal backing on its back in the final product. That means that light can shine through the transparent or translucent glaze.
Champlevé
Champlevé enamel is a simplification of Cloisonné, from which it differs in that the alveoli are worked directly into the sheet with chisel blows, incised or acidic, which leave the cavity. Normally cavities are not left as fine as with Cloisonné, nor do they need to be bordered with fine metallic threads.
How to clean enamel jewelry without damaging it?
Use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush. Use the toothbrush to remove any residue, crumbs, or dirt that has adhered to the jewelry, but do not scrub too hard.
For good measure, one of grandma's classic and rather surprising tricks is to use breadcrumbs. Bread can be effective, in fact, when used as a swab that removes dirt as a pencil eraser would. Of course, after using the bread, remove the crumbs with a toothbrush and gently dry the jewelry with a soft cloth.
Enamel is a resistant material, but as it is something that is applied to metal, with too vigorous cleaning there is a risk of causing scratches or, worse, damaging the enamel. To clean cloisonné enamel, it is best to use a microfiber cloth.
We recommend a last remedy for stubborn dirt: use warm distilled water with a few drops of detergent. It is recommended to dilute a tablespoon of ammonia in a cup of water, but be very careful not to damage the colored surface.
For more information: Caring for Your Enamel Jewelry
Trend alert: enameled jewelry
Master goldsmiths armed with patience were in charge long ago of elaborating these delicate unique pieces that over time have managed to carve a niche in the jewelry box of every woman. In recent times, jewelry has revived this ancient technique, betting on craftsmanship in the production of jewelry. Through creation, these jewels return value to the details.
The enameled jewelry will give a touch of the most original to all your looks, as its colorful design is very fun. Make the most basic outfits the most striking with these perfect accessories to spend an evening with friends, a romantic evening, or go for a drink. Enameled jewelry is specially designed for dynamic and urban women who need to accompany their daily looks with minimalist and quality pieces.
Don't be left out of this trend, visit Planderful's website and discover the variety of enameled jewelry we have for you.
