The application of Enamel ( glass ) as a decoration was first practiced by the Egyptians and developed by many societies down through the ages. The first applications were on pottery followed by enamel accents on gold jewellery. Enamelling was practiced by Western and Asian cultures before being revived as a modern art form during the Art Nouveau & Art Deco periods in the 19th and 20th Centuries.
The Art of Enamelling begins with the skilful design of the cufflink shape to receive the inlaid enamel. Each piece of a Sterling Silver cufflink is formed by the traditional skills of a silversmith. The pure silver cufflink is meticulously cleaned before enamelling can begin. The enameller carefully applies the finely ground enamel powder to a specific area of the shaped metal cufflink. The cufflink is fired at 800° C in a kiln. Excess enamel is removed by grinding. The many steps involved in adding the coloured enamels, grinding, polishing, cleaning and inspection mean that each pair of cufflinks has been worked on by a number of expert enamellers and finishers. The cufflink is then polished a final time before plating with the precious metal Rhodium, which provides an anti-tarnish finish that is now customary on all fine Sterling Silver.
Fine Enamelling requires many steps that are hidden by the finished piece itself. Notice the intricate pattern beneath the transparent glass on many designs. This adds style to the sculptured Sterling Silver. Fine Enamels cufflinks are made to last using Vitreous ( Fired Glass) Enamel that won’t fade or scratch. You can expect to enjoy these cufflinks for many years.
