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about enameling : |
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Enameling is the fusion of glass to the surface of metal. Since
the discovery of this process, which may have been as early as
the sixth century BCE, the uniquely beautiful and durable results
have been prized. From the time of the ancient Celts to the present
age, enameling has been used to decorate jewelry and artifacts.
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| cloisonné
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Cloisonné is an enameling technique. The design
is outlined in thin wires, which are then fused to the base enamel.
The cells are filled with various colors of enamel, fused one
layer at a time, then the enamel is ground, polished, and set
like the precious gem it has become.
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| champlevé
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Champlevé is another enameling technique.
In this case, by creating carved away areas in a thicker piece
of metal, the raised parts are left to define the design, and
the lower areas are filled with enamel. In the past this process
was usually done by hand engraving, while contemporary champlevé
is often cast from a wax model, which allows multiple copies.
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| fine silver : |
Fine silver is pure elemental silver. Most jewelry
is made from sterling silver, an alloy commonly of 925 parts
of silver and 75 parts copper. The addition of copper creates
a much harder metal, but one which more readily oxidises (tarnish).
For enameling, the properties of fine silver are almost ideal.
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| Here will be a description
of the process of enameling, as soon as I write it, and take
the pictures... |
~ Annotated Bibliography ~ |
| Cohen, Karen L., |
"The Art of Fine Enameling",
Sterling Publishing Co, 2002.
One of the newer books on enameling, it showcases a wide range
of artist styles and projects.
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| Liban, Felicia and Louise Mitchell, |
"Cloisonné Enameling and Jewelry
Making", Dover, 1989.
This book is very project oriented, and includes much information
on metalwork, or "what to do with your enamel after you
have finished it".
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| Matthews, Glenice Lesley, |
"Enamels, Enameling, Enamelists",
Chilton, 1984.
Another project oriented book, with a wide variety of techniques
covered.
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| Seeler, Margarete, |
"The Art of Enameling", Van
Nostrand Reinhold, 1969, 1983.
This is my favorite enameling book. Her writing is extremely
lucid, though some of the techniques presented are not in current
use (ie mercury gilding). Most of the illustrations are hand
drawn, which I find often clearer than photographs.
"Enamel: Medium of Fine Art", Dorrance,
1997.
A more recent presentation of her working style, this book includes
construction notes on some pretty spectacular enameled pieces,
as well as some unique metal forming techniques.
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| Strosahl, J. Patrick and Judith Lull Strosahl
and Coral Barnhart |
"A Manual of Cloisonné & Champlevé
Enameling", Scribners, 1981. This is the other enameling
book that I often refer to. Much detail about their working methods,
clever shop ideas, tips about the commonly available enamels,
and much more. A process rather than project oriented book.
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