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Unlocking the Brilliance: Exploring the Colours of Vitreous Enamel

Vitreous enamel, with its vibrant hues and timeless appeal, has captivated artisans and jewellery enthusiasts for centuries. From rich blues reminiscent of the ocean depths to fiery reds that ignite the imagination, the colours of vitreous enamel are as diverse as they are stunning. However, while the process of enamelling allows for a wide range of colours to be achieved, firing some of the warmer tones presents unique challenges that require skill and precision.

The Palette of Possibilities

One of the most enchanting aspects of vitreous enamel is its vast palette of colours. Enamelists have a wealth of options at their fingertips. Traditional colours such as cobalt blue, emerald green, and deep black have long been favourites, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication. Yet, modern enamelling techniques have expanded the possibilities even further, allowing for the creation of custom hues and intricate patterns that push the boundaries of creativity.

The Challenge of Firing Warm Colours

While enamelling offers endless creative opportunities, firing warmer colours such as reds, oranges, and yellows can be particularly challenging. Unlike cooler tones, which typically require lower firing temperatures and shorter firing times, warmer colours often demand higher temperatures and longer firing cycles to achieve the desired depth and intensity. This prolonged exposure to heat increases the risk of overfiring, which can result in discoloration, cracking, or even complete failure of the enamel. The chemical reaction between silver and the warmer colours can make the colours muddy, opaque and generally yucky. To overcome the difficulties of firing warmer colours, enamel artists must possess a deep understanding of the materials and processes involved. Careful attention to factors such as firing temperature, firing time, what metal the enamel is going on and kiln atmosphere is essential to achieving consistent results. Additionally, experimentation and experience play crucial roles in mastering the art of enamelling, as artisans learn to navigate the nuances of each colour and adapt the techniques accordingly.

Pushing the Boundaries

Despite the challenges they present, the allure of warmer colours continues to inspire enamelists to push the boundaries of their craft. Through innovation and perseverance, they seek to unlock the full potential of these rich and vibrant hues, creating breathtaking works of art that dazzle the senses and ignite the imagination.

In nature, all the colours of the palette are seen so why limit to only the easy colours? If creating a scene, some warmer colours are needed, so its better to learn the techniques and overcome the problems that may occur. Enamel makers are getting better and better at creating easier powders and materials to use, non leaded enamels being a more modern option for health, (even if they are harder to use!) There are a larger variety of leaded enamel colour options, particularly purses and pinks, but the non leaded versions are expanding, and to achieve the rich purples I have done in the past, it makes me very proud to achieve and makes me want to continue, blending colours together, to really get those rare, vivid and eye catching pieces!

How to Care for Your Vitreous Enamels

With the vivid colours and unique handmade/ handprinted techniques to vitreous enamels in jewellery, you may wonder how to care for them. They are delicate and need to be treated with care, here are our steps to keep your enables living as long a life as possible

Handle with Care! This is an obvious one but although vitreous enamel jewellery is durable, it can chip or crack if dropped or mishandled. Handle your jewellery with care to avoid accidental damage. Avoid exposing your enamels to hard impacts or sudden shocks, as this can cause the enamel to chip or crack.

Keep Away from Chemicals. Avoid exposing your enamels to harsh chemicals such as household cleaners, perfumes, or hairsprays. These chemicals can tarnish the metal or damage the enamel finish. Lucia collections use non leads enamel, which means the enamel is harder in general: leaded enamels melt at a lower temperature. It also means there is no risk at all to lead leaching out if exposed to chemicals or acids as there is no lead to begin with.

Clean Gently! To clean your enamel jewellery, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as they can scratch the enamel surface. Store your enamel pieces in a soft pouch or jewellery box to protect it from scratches and tarnishing. Avoid storing multiple pieces of jewelry together to prevent them from scratching each other.

Avoid Excessive Heat. Avoid exposing your enamel jewellery to excessive heat, such as direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this can cause the enamel to fade or change color over time, this would take a long time to be exposed however, but always better to store in a dark and soft pouch or box when not wearing.

By following these simple care tips, you can help ensure that your vitreous enamel jewelry remains beautiful and vibrant for years to come.