Enamel jewelry's unique blend of artistry and personality has made it one of the biggest emerging trends with the movements of Y2K, Hypepop and 'Dopamine Dressing'. Combining glass and metal together to create fun, unique colors and shapes, enamel pieces add a distinct charm to any outfit. From traditional patterns to contemporary interpretations, enamel jewelry comes in every shape and size you can think of. Add pops of color or elevate a monochrome look.
The Historical Legacy of Enamel Jewelry
Enamel jewelry can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks, who mixed crushed glass with color agents such as cobalt or copper, then applying it to metals in painstaking details before permanently fusing it with heat. The jewelry they made was spiritual, holding deep symbolism and believing to provide protection. This technique flourished during the Byzantine Empire, with intricate enamel designs adorning royal regalia and religious artefacts. Reaching its peak in the Renaissance period, European artisans refined enamel techniques, becoming popular with royalty and nobility.
Enamel jewelry continued to evolve into modern society, popularized in the 1910's Art Deco movement, then again in the psychedelia and boho movements of the 60's and 70's. The bold colors and unique qualities to enamel jewelry turned it into a staple of the eclectic wardrobes.
Types of Jewelry Suitable for Enamel Application
There's no limits to the types of enamel jewelry you can find, from pendants and cuffs, to earrings and rings, with subtle hints of enamel to bright colors stacked all together.
Maximalist enamel looks can be achieved by layering lots of enamel jewelry on top – bracelet stacks, or by having different pieces throughout your outfit, such as a necklace, ring and earrings – all working seamlessly to create your perfect dopamine dressing style look.
For the minimalists out there, try finding one or two subtle enamel pieces (like a ring with some small intricate details, or some hoops with a hint of enamel plating on) to introduce a second texture to further elevate your look.
The Beauty of Different Enamel Techniques
Enamel jewelry boasts a diverse array of techniques, each lending its own distinct characteristics to the pieces.
Enamelling adds vibrant pops of color and intricate details to jewelry, and can be accomplished using a variety of techniques. The top five are Cloisonne, Champleve, Plique-a-jour, Limoges and Basse-taille. Here's a peek into some of those popular techniques:
1. Cloisonné
Tiny metal fences outlining colorful glass meadows, that's cloisonné. Thin wires – often silver or gold – are bent and soldered to create compartments, filled with powdered enamel, and then fired until the glass melts and fuses.
2. Champlevé
This technique is like reverse cloisonné. The metal is carved or etched to create depressions, which are then filled with enamel. The resulting design has raised metal borders framing the vibrant enamel pools.
3. Plique-à-jour
This method creates the magic of stained glass in miniature. Tiny compartments are made with metal wires, but without a backing, allowing light to pass through the translucent enamel. Think of it as wearable stained glass!
4. Limoges
This versatile technique involves painting enamel directly onto the metal surface. It's like watercolor on metal, allowing for fine details, gradients, and photorealistic paintings.
5. Basse-taille
This technique adds depth and dimension to enameled pieces. The metal is engraved or textured before applying enamel, creating a interplay of light and shadow within the glassy surface.
Embracing Enamel Jewelry for Special Occasions
Enamel jewelry is easy to incorporate into your wardrobe, from your everyday looks to your occasionwear. Whether you're looking for statement pieces or subtle accents, enamel jewelry should be a staple in any jewelry lovers' collection.
Maximalist jewelry lovers, enamel is also perfect for you. Try stacking rings of different colors, textures and sizes on top of each other and across different fingers to create a maximalist stack that plays right into Y2K while being personal to you.
If you prefer a more minimal jewelry look, try a more subtle take on enamel by having a centre piece such as a pendant necklace or earrings, and combine with other solid pieces to elevate the look.
For summer looks, pair your vibrant enamels with your lighter colors to add color to your outfits. In contrast, in winter try pairing a darker enamel into your existing stack for seasonal events to bring a subtle yet festive element to your look.
