Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with colored material held in place or separated by metal strips or wire, normally of gold or silver. Georgian cloisonné enamel counts more than 1200 years of history.
Our jewelry pieces are created using a combination of enameling and metal clay techniques. This process is quite laborious, because all the details require hand processing. The Cloisonné focal is comprised of multiple layers of enamel (finely ground glass), that are applied wet with a fine paintbrush to a prepared base of textured fine silver. We carefully bend fine silver Cloisonné wires into shapes using hand held jewelry tools including pliers, tweezers, and mandrels. We then transfer and fuse the wires to the fine silver base. Next, We begin to fill in the design with many thin layers of enamel. Between each application of enamel, the piece is fired in a kiln at 700-800 degrees Celsius, until the enamel flows. As we add layers, and build depth, we carefully blend our colors and add fine silver foil elements to add interest and movement to the design. Lastly, the piece of art is polished to a glossy surface that shines from every angle. Such subtle variations make each handmade piece unique.