Lost Rainbow in the Mortal World - Enamel Jewelry
There are many wonderful jewelry techniques that are almost lost in the torrent of time, and enamel seems to be one of them. Enamel is a colored glassy substance, usually composed of silicate and metal oxide, which is melted at high temperature and then coated on the metal surface.
Enamel is mainly divided into three types: enamel miniature, plique-à-jour, and cloisonné.
Plique-à-jour is the oldest craft, which is to make patterns on the metal ground by stamping or engraving, and then fill the depressions with enamel color. After drying, it is fired in a high-temperature kiln exceeding 800°C. , and each layer of glaze needs to be fired in a high-temperature kiln for 40 to 60 seconds.
Cloisonné, a process inspired by the stained glass craftsmanship of churches during the Gothic period. Cloisonné enamel works are generally made by cutting out patterns with gold or copper wire on gold or copper bodies, filling them with enamel of various colors, and then going through multiple processes such as roasting, grinding, and gold plating.
Enamel jewelry is very colorful, has gem-like luster and texture, is corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, high-temperature resistant, waterproof and moisture-proof, hard and solid, does not age or deteriorate, and will not fade or lose its luster after thousands of years.