What is Enamel?
““Confidence is not ‘they will like me’, confidence is ‘I’ll be fine if they don’t’”“
~Christina Grimmie
I didn’t know!
I speak of enamels as if people know what they are. I’ll admit, the first time I saw one, I had no clue what it was. I just know that I fell in love with it. It’s what started my journey into jewelry making and enameling.
What is it?
Vitreous enamel, or porcelain enamel, or hot enamel is a type of glass fused to metal. It is applied to the surface of the metal and fired at approximately 1400 degrees F. This process is repeated several times to achieve the artist’s vision. Once it cools and hardens, the enamel creates a durable and corrosion-resistant barrier that protects the metal beneath it.
Why do you want it?
In the world of jewelry, vitreous enamel is a popular choice for adding color and design to metal pieces. It allows for a wide range of creativity and can add a unique, eye-catching element to any piece. It’s also a durable option, as the enamel is colorfast meaning it will not fade over time. So next time you’re admiring a beautiful piece of enameled jewelry, you’ll know the process and thought that went into creating it.