Enamel may look delicate, but did you know it can last for centuries? This ancient technique has been adorning jewelry since the days of Tutankhamun, and it continues to be a hallmark of craftsmanship, color, and character in today’s most refined designs.
What Is Enamel?
Enamel is made by fusing powdered glass onto metal (like gold, silver, or copper) at high temperatures (750–850°C). The result? A glossy, vibrant surface that’s both beautiful and remarkably durable.
A History Rooted in Beauty
Enamel has journeyed through civilizations:
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Ancient Egypt & Greece: Used to embellish royal treasures.
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Byzantine Empire: Perfected the cloisonné technique for sacred art.
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Medieval to Renaissance Europe: A staple in crowns, religious relics, and mourning jewelry.
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Art Nouveau to Fabergé: Reimagined enamel as high art.
Today, it remains beloved for its rich color and symbolism in fine jewelry.
The Meaning Behind the Color
Enamel isn't just decorative—it's meaningful. Each hue tells a story:
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Red: Passion, power, love
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Blue: Loyalty, spirituality
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Green: Growth, rebirth
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Black: Mystery, mourning
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White: Purity, innocence
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Yellow/Gold: Vitality, divinity
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Purple: Royalty, mysticism
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Turquoise: Protection, healing
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Pink: Love, femininity
Whether chosen for its beauty or its symbolism, enamel adds a deeper emotional layer to every design.
Techniques That Tell Stories
There are many ways to work with enamel, each with a distinct aesthetic:
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Cloisonné: Wires form compartments that are filled with enamel.
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Champlevé: Enamel fills cells carved into the metal.
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Plique-à-jour: Translucent enamel without a backing—like stained glass.
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Basse-taille: Low-relief metal design overlaid with translucent enamel.
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Guilloché: Engraved patterns beneath a sheer enamel overlay.
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Painted Enamel: Pigments hand-painted and fired, often for miniature portraits.
Enamel at Randa Tabbah Fine Jewelry
Our collections often incorporate enamel for its beauty, meaning, and longevity. From bold color contrasts to symbolic detailing, enamel plays a central role in celebrating craftsmanship and storytelling.
Caring for Enamel Jewelry
While enamel is strong, it benefits from gentle care:
Do:
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Clean with a soft toothbrush, mild soap, and lukewarm water.
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Store separately in a pouch or lined box.
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Put on after makeup or perfume.
Don't:
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Use harsh chemicals or dips.
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Expose to extreme heat/cold.
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Wear during rough activities or swimming.
With proper care, enamel can be passed down for generations—just like the stories it tells.
Explore Our Enamel Creations Discover the beauty and symbolism of enamel in our latest designs. Shop now or visit us in-store to experience the artistry up close.
