Enamel jewellery
Discover the enamelling technique to enhance your jewellery
Jewellery enamelling is an age-old technique used in the creation of jewellery to add colour and sparkle.
At SMV Thailand, we have mastered the art of enamelling to embellish your creations with vibrant, long-lasting finishes. This process involves applying a thin layer of coloured glass to the surface of the metal, creating unique effects of texture and depth.
Enamel allows each piece of jewellery to be personalised, while guaranteeing great resistance to wear and tear and incomparable aesthetic appeal.
The different stages of enamelling
1. Surface preparation
Before applying the enamel, the metal surface of the jewellery is carefully cleaned to remove any traces of grease, dirt or oxidation, ensuring that the enamel adheres well.
2. Application of enamel
The enamel is applied to the desired areas of the jewel. It can be coloured to match the desired design, and the thickness of the application is controlled to ensure a uniform result.
3. Oven cooking
The enamelled jewellery is then placed in a high-temperature oven (usually between 700°C and 850°C), where the enamel melts and bonds to the metal, creating a vitrified finish. This stage can be repeated several times to add layers of colour or to achieve a deeper effect.
4. Finishes
Once cooled, the jewel can be polished to smooth the surface and reveal the brilliance of the enamel. Final touch-ups can be made to adjust details or add specific effects.
3 advantages of using enamel on your jewellery
Colour
Jewellery enamel makes it possible to add vivid, long-lasting colours that won't fade over time, adding an incomparable aesthetic dimension.
Durability
Enamelled jewellery is resistant to wear and corrosion, thanks to the fusion of the glass powder with the metal, ensuring a long life.
Customisation
Enamelling offers a high degree of customisation, enabling unique and detailed designs to be created according to customers' preferences.
Your questions about enamel
We will work with you to define the key stages and deadlines to ensure the success of the development process.
What is jewellery enamel?
Enamelling is a decorative technique that involves applying a thin layer of coloured glass to a piece of metal jewellery, then melting it at high temperature to obtain a shiny, durable and resistant finish.
You can read a more detailed explanation on our glossary!
Which metals can be enamelled?
Enamel can be applied to a variety of metals, including gold, silver, copper and bronze.
How is enamel applied to jewellery?
The enamel is applied as a powder mixed with a binder, then melted in a kiln to adhere to the metal.
Can enamelled jewellery be personalised?
Absolutely, enamelling allows a great deal of customisation, with a variety of possible colours and patterns.
Is enamel durable?
Yes, enamel is very durable and resistant to wear and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for jewellery.
What's the difference between cloisonné and champlevé?
Cloisonné uses metal wires to create compartments for the enamel, while champlevé involves hollowing out cavities in the metal to deposit the enamel.
Does jewellery enamel require any special care?
Enamelled jewellery should be cleaned with a soft cloth and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage the enamel.
SMV Thailand: Mastering the art of enamelling for unique jewellery
Jewellery enamelling is a precious craft technique that transforms each piece into a unique work of art.
At SMV Thailand, we have mastered this art to create exceptional jewellery, combining colour, durability and personalisation.
To discover our other skills and see how we can turn your ideas into exceptional enamelled jewellery, visit our other skills pages.
