ENAMEL

Enamel is a technique in which coloured glass is fused onto a metal surface, giving a bright, durable and long-lasting coating resembling painting on metal. Glass powder is applied to the piece and fired in a kiln at high temperature until it fuses into a smooth, glossy mass. There are many techniques: cloisonné (partition) enamel, champlevé, painted enamel. Enamel adorned jewellery, covers, vessels and cult objects; in Ukrainian and Eastern Christian art enamel shone on icons and church utensils. It is prized for the saturation and permanence of its colour, which does not fade over time. Enamel allows bright hues, unattainable by the metal itself, to be added to a jewellery piece.