All Eyes on the Enamel (And Weekly Jewerly Giveaway)

The process of creating fine enameled jewelry has always been fascinating to me. And, its been practiced by artisans as far back as the Egyptians in the 15th Century BC. However, the enameling process that we are more familiar with today is attributed to the Greeks, as well as a bit more modern (i.e., the 4th Century BC!).

When creating the enameled pieces that we see in jewelry today, creative artists sift a fused glass powder over a base, often made of metal (but sometimes ceramic or glass). The powder is then kiln- or hand-fired at high temperatures until it melts. Once it cools and hardens, the glossy glass is cleaned and polished--and that is how one gets to the sassy-smooth shine that is the hallmark of enameling.

Today on Friday Findings, I thought it would be fun to take a look at a showcase featuring the wide variety of enameled jewelry that is available from the independent jewelry artists at the online marketplace Etsy. So, without further ado, let's check out their work and take a peek into their process.

And, be sure check out my original Posh Mama blog post showcasing today's featured Enameled Jewelry Artists for some very special discounts from two of today's featured sellers.

Shield Series Pendants
designoptions

Inspired by African designs and with an intention to ward off evil spirits, this jewelry artist fabricates a striking series of Shield Pendants using her own dies. She takes copper sheets and presses into shield forms with her trusty 20 ton hydraulic press and then fires and sets her brilliant enamel pieces into custom-made sterling silver bezels that are about 1.5" x .5" x .5" in size. The silver is oxidized and the pendants finished with 16"-18" adjustable oxidized sterling snake chain. Available from the designoptions shop on Etsy.

Nouveau
OiOi

With the simple yet bold lines of this reversible red-and-black Nouveau flame pendant, this amazing artist intricately hand-cuts and hand-fires fused glass to metal to create her enamel. Red on one side, black on the other. Her versatile and classy pendant measures 2” x 2” at its widest part and rests on an 18" sterling silver chain. Available from the OiOi shop on Etsy.


Dramatic Red Poppy Enamel Disk Pendant
Jewelry by Natsuko

I love how the extravagant enameled colors unite in this Dramatic Red Poppy Enamel Disk Pendant. The artist carefully sifts enamel powder onto a textured copper base and then places it into her studio's kiln for firing. The result is a gorgeous pendant that measures 3/4” in diameter. She completes the piece with a 17” copper cable chain and handmade hook clasp. Available from Jewelry by Natsuko on Etsy.

Oriental Blossoms Cloisonne Pendant
MauriAnn

Using traditional techniques that make use of fine wires to separate several layers of fused glass on metal, this classically trained goldsmith turns out a wide variety of cloisonne enameled pendants in brilliant colors from her studio in Ireland. Her outstanding Oriental Blossoms Cloisonne Pendant being showcased today measures 38mm x 58mm and rests from a sterling silver bail. Available from the MauriAnn shop on Etsy.

Caribbean in a Cup Earrings
tuizui

I was immediately drawn to the cool stained-glass look of these kiln-fired blue enamel cups that appeared to be as transparent as the tropical ocean over a base of low-tarnish fine silver. This talented jewelry artist's elegant Caribbean in a Cup enamel earrings measure 1.25" high x .5" wide and are complimented by attractive hand-formed sterling silver earwires. Available from the tuizui shop on Etsy.


Classico-Black and White-Handmade Enamel Necklace
VerreEncore

Everyone loves a classic, so I couldn't resist showcasing the crisp contrast of this black and white vitreous enamel pendant. It's perfect for day or night, as well as stunning and durable. The pendant in this artist's Classico Necklace measures approximately 1.75" and is complimented by a shining 18" sterling silver chain. Available from the VerreEncore shop on Etsy.

That is all the time we have this week, but before you go, please congratulate Posh Mama Jennifer. Jennifer is the winner of the beautiful Petite Layer Hammered Earrings from last week's post, which was generously donated by our giveaway sponsor, Susan K Jewelry.

This week's giveaway item is an enticing enameled pendant donated by this week's giveaway sponsor (and featured artist!) Natsuko, from Jewelry by Natusko. This is a handcrafted "mama drop" up for grabs to you PM's. It features the Kanji script "mother" and was designed using lead-free glass enamel, copper and silk cord.

To enter the contest:

1. Go to my original post on the Posh Mama website.

2. Leave a comment about your favorite jewelry piece in the Comments section of the original Posh Mama blog post now!

The winner will be selected using www.random.org and announced in next week's Friday Findings post.

Have a great week!

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).