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About Cloissone Enamelling - Glass On Metal
Enamelling is a process of fusing specially formulated
coloured glass to metal by means of heat. The metal can be gold, silver or
copper.
The ground glass is applied in five or six thin layers, and each layer is
fired at around 820 degrees, before proceeding with the next. It requires
five or six firings to obtain the subtlety of gradation of tone and colour
in the designs. After the piece is filled, the surface is then ground until
smooth, and then fired for the last time to obtain a glossy vitreous finish
before being set into a piece of jewellery or mounted in a frame.
Brooches, Cloisonne
enamel on fine silver, each 55mm x 15mm
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Brooch
Series 'Botanica' Cloisonne enamel on fine silver, each 58mm x 25mm
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In cloisonne enamelling, thin silver or gold wires are formed into a linear
design. The spaces (cloisons or cells) between the strips are then filled
with enamel. The cloisonne technique is easily identified by the characteristic
lines of metal that make up the design. Traditionally the strips of metal
separated and outlined the different colours of glass, however Carolyn prefers
to use the lines as design elements.
In champleve enamelling, recesses are etched, engraved or fabricated into
sheet metal and then filled with enamel.
The cloisonne enamelling of Carolyn Delzoppo is an exacting art, requiring
not only patient manipulation of the tiny strips of silver wire, but also
a great deal of technical knowledge of the variables and firing characteristics
of the enamels and metal alloys.
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