Enamelling is the ancient and difficult art of creating beautiful images with finely crushed glass powders. Often the enamelist’s “canvas” is a jewel or objet d’art. The enamelist “paints” a surface of the jewel with the crushed glass and, through repeated applications and firings, creates wonderful miniature works of art. Although the first known enamels were created in ancient Egypt (circa 1500 BC), the art of painting in glass has been practiced throughout the centuries.
Over time the art of the enameller evolved with changes in history, fashion and available technologies. Today many of the historical techniques are being revived by contemporary jewelry designers and artisans. Three of the most beautiful enamelling techniques are: cloisonné, guilloché and plique-à-jour. A brief review of each of these schools of enamelling follows.
This brilliant blue of Schlumberger’s paillonne enamel is exceptional. This pair of earrings in 18k gold with blue enamel is for pierced ears. It is $8,800.
And this is Jean Schlumberger’s rendition of an “X”, the popular symbol of love. This ring is in 18k gold with blue enamel and round brilliant diamonds in platinum. It is $4,900.