The lost art of enamel

The lost art of enamel

Champlevé and cloisonné enamel fused into silver over 800°C. Award-winning, one-of-a-kind, made by hand by Natalia.

Art meets fire. Natalia's enamel collection is built layer by layer — champlevé and cloisonné techniques, multiple kiln firings, colours fused into silver at over 800 degrees. Winner of the 2023 Australian enamelled jewellery competition in two categories. Each piece is one of a kind, handmade on the Central Coast of NSW.

Learn more about our techniques in the complete guide to enamel jewellery, or read our enamel care tips. If you want the techniques explained side by side, see cloisonné vs champlevé enamel. See also our enamelled artistic bowls.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between cloisonné and champlevé enamel?

Cloisonné uses thin silver wires bent into shapes and filled with coloured enamel — the wires stay visible as outlines. Champlevé is the opposite: the silver is hand-engraved into recessed cells, and each piece needs more than ten kiln firings to build the colour and clarity. Natalia works in both techniques.

How long does handmade enamel jewellery last?

Enamel is fused glass — properly cared for, it lasts indefinitely. Avoid dropping it on hard surfaces, store it away from harder metals that could scratch it, and remove before swimming or vigorous exercise. The colour will outlast the silver.

Can a chipped enamel piece be repaired?

Most chipped pieces can be refired and refilled in the studio. Send us a photo at natalia@njewellery.com and we'll quote the repair.

What is cloisonné?

Cloisonné is an enamelling technique where thin metal wires are bent to outline a design and soldered to the surface, forming small cells. Each cell is filled with powdered glass enamel and fired until the glass fuses. The wires stay visible in the finished piece as fine outlines around every colour.

What is champlevé enamel?

Champlevé is an enamelling technique where cells are carved or engraved down into the metal itself, then filled with enamel and fired. Unlike cloisonné there are no applied wires - the raised metal between the cells is the original surface. Natalia's champlevé pieces take more than ten firings each.

Looking for enamelled jewellery in Australia? Every enamelled jewelry piece here is made by hand by Natalia. Explore the techniques in our guide to cloisonné and champlevé enamelling.