Circle me this!

Learning how to do cloisonne my first piece above.

Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects, in recent centuries using vitreous enamel, and in older periods also inlays of cut gemstones, glass, and other materials. The resulting objects can also be called cloisonné. The decoration is formed by first adding compartments (cloisons in French^[1]) to the metal object by soldering or adhering silver or gold wires or thin strips placed on their edges. These remain visible in the finished piece, separating the different compartments of the enamel or inlays, which are often of several colors. Cloisonné enamel objects are worked on with enamel powder made into a paste, which then needs to be fired in a kiln.


It does remind me abstract art. 

(Painting by Alfred Gockel "Sun Fish")

Damascene - no it's not a swear word

So I wore Damascene which sounds and looks like a swear word but it isn't instead it jewelry from Spain that is enameled.

Hisntory lesson:

Damascene "Damasquinado de Oro or "Damasquino" is the art of decorating non-precious metals with gold. It has roots in the Middle Ages and originates from the oriental-style artisan work done in Damascus, Syria. The craft, perfected by the Arabs and brought with them to Spain, has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries.

Damascene items generally reflect two distinct traditional types of patterns; the Arabesque or geometric designs, and the Renaissance motifs, displaying variations of birds and flowers. These patterns are obtained by engraving deep, patterned cuts into steel and then placing a gold foil into the lines of the design. This foil is hammered until the gold (18/greenish and 24/yellow carat) penetrates into the cuts, forming the design. Each piece is treated with a bluing solution to obtain oxidation and a black background is created. The back of all Damascene pieces are finished with gold metal.

Toledo is the world's largest center of production of Damascene. The city of Toledo is one of the richest historically and culturally endowed cities in all of Spain.

The fish pin is from my Grandmother. The earrings are mine. 

Nature has it

This was my third project in my enameling class. Using the flux the gold sheen we were told to the first color to lay down would be a solid. then to use transparent after that. I used a light light green that almost looks white for solid then a brick red and then a blue.

 
And yes now how does this relate to jewelry it's my catch all next to the sofa when I get home from work and take things off.