Add a Bright Splash of Color to Your Look With Stainless Steel Enamel Jewelry
Enamel jewelry can add a bright splash of color to your look. When treated properly, enamel jewelry retains its vibrant luster and beauty for years to come.
The non-metallic enamel acts as a barrier to prevent air and moisture, which are the primary causes of rust, from directly contacting the metal. It also resists many chemicals that would degrade the metal.
Durability
As long as it has been properly fired and applied to the right metal, enamel is durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also retains its vibrancy and lustre over time, making it an ideal material for jewelry. Additionally, enamel is a versatile material, allowing artists to use a variety of techniques to create distinctive designs. These artistic processes range from cloisonné (where fine wires delineate design areas) to champleve (where recesses are carved into the metal and then filled with enamel), giving artisans significant creative freedom.
One of the most striking aspects of enamel is that it doesn’t rust. While iron and other metals that can oxidize may be vulnerable to rusting, enamel is non-metallic by nature and thus less susceptible to the process. Additionally, enamel forms a barrier Fashion Jewellery against air and moisture – the primary factors that can lead to rust.
That said, despite its durability, enamel does need to be handled carefully. Harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, chlorine in pools, and certain cosmetics can damage the enamel. Also, dropping enamel jewelry on hard surfaces can chip the piece. Regular cleaning and smart storage are essential to maintaining the beauty of your enamel jewelry. Additionally, avoiding extreme cold and hot temperatures can help protect your enamel pieces as well. These care tips will ensure that your enamel jewelry remains in good condition for many years to come!
Styles
Whether you’re looking for the shimmer of gemstones or a bold pop of color that doesn’t come with the price tag, enamel jewelry can fit the bill. From chandelier earrings to pendant necklaces and cuff bracelets, enamel adds a glamorous touch to jewelry that doesn’t need the expensive stones of a diamond or sapphire to make a statement.
Enameling is an ancient process and widely adopted technology, used for thousands of years in jewelry and decorative art. It was originally used to capture the vibrancy of precious stones in ceremonial objects, but jewelers have since embraced it for its durability and versatility.
Cloisonne is a classic enamel technique, wherein jewelers create wire frames that are then filled with enamel in different shades. The outlines created by these wires give the jewelry a distinct and textured look. Cloisonne is a popular style of jewelry in Art Nouveau designs.
Champleve is another popular type of enameling, a technique that features divots on the metal surface where Enamel gold necklace for women the enamel builds up. This method of enameling allows the original metal to show through, creating a smooth finish.
This technique is less time-consuming than cloisonne and has a more polished look. It also works well for intricate floral patterns.
Colors
Using a process similar to glass blowing, enamel is smelted and applied to metal surfaces and then fired. The result is a strong, permanent and indestructible fusion of steel and enamel. This technique offers a broad palette of colors, ranging from bold and vibrant to soft and pastel shades. The enamel is a mixture of finely ground glass powders and metal oxides. It can be applied in several different ways, including cloisonne and champleve techniques.
The enamel can be transparent or opaque. The transparency allows the metal’s surface to shine through and lends a unique shimmer to the color. The cloisonne technique uses metal wires to create compartments that hold different enamel colors, resulting in intricate designs and beautiful textures. Champleve involves carving recesses into metal to fill with enamel, allowing artisans to add patterns and details that wouldn’t be possible with other techniques.
Enamel jewelry often utilizes nickel-free metals, making it hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. The enamel itself is also hypoallergenic, preventing allergic reactions when it comes into contact with the wearer’s skin.
To ensure the longevity of your enamel jewelry, it’s important to care for it properly. Avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Additionally, store your enamel pieces separately from other jewelry to prevent them from rubbing against each other and scratching the metal underneath.
Value
From the glossy decadence of Faberge eggs to the bold hues of jewelry inspired by Moroccan artisans, enamel is a versatile and exciting technique that can add a splash of color to a variety of styles. This ancient technology involves fusing colored glass powder to metal. Though its initial color does not necessarily reflect the finished piece, the fusion process can yield vivid hues in the end. JTV’s collection of enamel jewelry offers a wide array of colors for all occasions.
Enamel is a cost-effective material that allows jewelers to create unique styles without the high price tag of gemstones. This allows designers to incorporate enamel into a range of jewelry styles, from chandelier earrings and pendant necklaces to cuff bracelets. It can also provide a stunning backdrop for other gemstones and other types of metal, such as in the brooch below by famed designer Rene Lalique. This Art Nouveau style features black enamel details that frame a sizeable citrine, perfectly complementing the natural lines of this stunning gemstone.
Stainless steel is also a very durable and long-lasting material that won’t scratch or change color over time. The fact that it is a non-allergenic metal is also a plus for anyone with sensitive skin. Unlike cheaper silver plated jewelry, it does not contain allergic fillers like nickel, brass or copper so there is no risk of an allergic reaction. In addition, the material does not oxidize and is an eco-friendly choice that does not require any toxic chemicals during production.
