WHAT IS ENAMEL ?
Enamel is a glass-like material used in jewellery making to create a beautiful, eye-catching finish. It is composed of finely ground glass and metal oxides, which are heated and fused together to form a hard coating. Enamel is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for jewellery designs that will be worn often.
Enamel has been used in jewellery making for centuries, and its popularity has only grown over time. It is available in a wide variety of colours, from vibrant pinks and blues to classic blacks and whites. The colour palette is endless, making it easy to create custom pieces that match any outfit. The colours can also be layered together to create a unique, multi-tonal look.
Enamel is a durable material that is easy to care for. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm water and gently dried. It should not be exposed to harsh chemicals, like perfumes and hair sprays.
Enamel is a versatile material that can be used to create unique and beautiful jewellery designs. Its durability and wide range of colours make it a popular choice among jewellery makers. With proper care, enameled pieces can last for many years and become cherished family
WHAT IS ARGENTIUM SILVER ?
Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy that was developed in 1990 by Peter Johns, a British metallurgist, at the University of Southampton. It is composed of 93.5% silver and 6.5% germanium. This unique combination of silver and germanium creates a metal that is more resistant to tarnish than traditional sterling silver and is much brighter and whiter in colour.
The main benefit of Argentium silver is its resistance to tarnish. This is due to the germanium in its composition, which forms a protective oxide layer on the surface of the metal that inhibits tarnishing. This means that Argentium silver will remain bright and white for much longer than traditional sterling silver.
Argentium silver is non-allergenic and is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Argentium silver is also an environmentally friendly metal. It is 100% recyclable and does not contain any of the toxic metals found in many other silver alloys, such as lead and nickel. This means that it is much safer for the environment than other metals.
WHY I USE COPPER
Copper and enamel are a match made in heaven. !! Enamel fuses perfectly to copper which makes for a durable, long lasting piece of jewellery.
My aim is to use recycled copper as much as I possibly can in my jewellery creations. I source my copper from auction houses and opp shops. I then heat these pieces in my kiln and put them through my rolling mill until I have the desired thickness needed for the project I'm working on.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ENAMEL JEWELLERY
Cleaning your enamel jewellery is as simple as wiping the piece/pieces with a damp cloth to remove any residue from makeup or perfumes etc.
The ear hooks can be cleaned using a regular jewellery cleaning cloth to restore their shine.