Antique and Vintage Enamel Jewelry

Enameling has long been a popular technique for fine jewelry, ranging from pins and charms to earrings and bracelets. The ancient process begins with powdered colored glass, or powdered clear glass that has been mixed with pigments, which is applied to a metal object and then fired until it melts. The result is a layer of pure color on a surface. Variations of the technique in fine jewelry include cloisonné, in which the enamel is contained within walls of fine wire or metal, and plique à jour, which removes the metal backing behind the enamel so it’s translucent. One of the most sought makers of vintage enamel jewelry is Limoges.