Enameling is the process of firing and fusing glass onto metal. Enamel is glass, colored with metal oxides, that has been ground to a consistency similar to sugar or fine sand.

We utilize several enameling techniques in our work; primarily cloisonné, basse-taille and champlevé. Cloisonné is a technique which consists of flattened gold or silver wire, and powdered glass being fired onto a metal base. The lines of design are created by first shaping the ribbons of wire and tack firing them to the base. These cells (cloisons) are then wet-packed with glass powders in very thin layers and fired up to about 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. Each piece is re-fired, and more enamel is added until the molten glass reaches the level of the wire. This continuous layering of enamel allows for luscious shading, depth and saturation of color. The heat transforms the grains of dull colored glass to a fluid luminosity on silver, gold, or copper. The next step is to grind the cloisonné surface smooth with a lapidary wheel, then place in the kiln once more to fire-polish the surface and bring the piece back to a glossy finish. The final setting is then created, and the cloisonné piece is gently bezel set into the final framework of metal. Basse-taille is a technique which describes metal pieces that have been textured, either by etching, engraving, roller-printing, etc., then enamels are fired over the metal in multiple layers, until the surface of the glass layer is smooth. The use of transparent enamels allows the underlying design to show through, and emphasize the play of light. Basse-taille is frequently used in combination with our other enameling techniques. Champlevé is another wonderful technique in which raised fields or areas of metal are incorporated into the design of the piece. Enamel is then inlayed into the recessed compartments. The finished piece results in rich reservoirs of color, combined with shiny exposed areas of metal. Multiple fabrication techniques are used to create the recesses in metal, primarily “sawing and soldering,” embossing, wax carving, and etching. Finally, when our enamel pieces have been completed, we select faceted, natural gemstones, and exotic stone cabochons to accentuate the enamel works of art. The result is a fantastic synthesis of art and nature coming together, both remaining changeless, timeless and forged from elemental fire.