Appreciating Enamel | Experiencing the Beauty of a Timeless Craft

Looking back, it’s been seven or eight years since I first encountered enamel. Those early days were filled with trial and error—driven by curiosity, I slowly learned the ropes of this ancient art through countless experiments and failures. Now, I hope to share this journey across time with those who are destined to cross paths with it.

Across the river of time, enamel glows like light captured by fire—quietly flowing between history and the present. Once reserved for royal courts and sacred rituals, it now graces our daily lives as poetry for the fingertips and blessings worn close to the heart. No longer the privilege of emperors and clergy, it has become a wearable art that carries sentiment and memory.

The history of enamel is vast and colorful. From ancient Persia and Byzantium along the Mediterranean, to China’s celebrated Jingtai Blue, and later, the painted enamels of Limoges, France—it has been shaped and reshaped by the hands of different eras and cultures. At our studio, we continue to use traditional vitreous Enamel techniques—not to replicate the past, but to explore new creative expressions. At temperatures above 750°C, layers of enamel are meticulously applied and fired, creating a surface that is both translucent and luminous. Through various time-honored methods—cloisonné, champlevé, painted enamel, and plique-à-jour—we immerse ourselves in the unique charm of this ancient craft.

Many of our handmade enamel pieces at JR-workshop are inspired by nature and literary works. The Bird of Hope brooch, for example, draws from a line by American poet Emily Dickinson:“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”The little red bird perches on a textured silver branch like a spirit from the verse, conveying life and hope. Red, however, is among the most challenging vitreous Enamel colors to master—especially in sculptural, wraparound forms. Even a slight imbalance in heat or enamel thickness can cause it to crack during firing.

The Joyful Moment brooch—shaped like a pink and purple balloon—uses the champlevé technique, which involves carving recessed areas into metal and filling them with enamel. Multiple rounds of enamel application and firing give it a light, candy-like sheen under natural light. On the other hand, the Ginkgo Leaf earrings in yellow-green use the difficult plique-à-jour method—a translucent enamel technique without a metal backing. The enamel is suspended between metal lines like stained glass, capturing the layered light and color of early autumn ginkgo leaves—sun-kissed, serene, and full of movement.

Renowned for its precision and artistry, vitreous enamel requires more than just skill—it demands deep sensitivity to the properties of enamel powder. Even after years of practice, the final outcome can never be fully controlled. We treasure the uniqueness of each piece born from this unpredictability. The Quiet resting places pendant, for instance, features painted enamel—each brushstroke a careful meditation from concept to completion. Because of its labor-intensive process and unpredictable results, vitreous enamel is especially suited for made-to-order pieces that celebrate individuality.

While researching and collecting materials, we also came across a newer, more accessible technique: cold enamel (also called resin enamel). This modern method uses colored resin that cures at room temperature, without firing. It’s favored by some designers who value speed and bright colors, and while it lacks the depth and durability of vitreous Enamel, it has carved a space in fast-fashion accessories and is a great option for beginners.

But how do you distinguish between vitreous enamel and cold enamel? A genuine kiln-fired enamel surface reveals itself in the details: under sunlight, it has vivid transparency and shadow depth; to the touch, it feels cool and slightly raised—much like glass or jade. Cold enamel, by contrast, often feels plasticky, looks flat, and may yellow, crack, or peel with time.

A Quick Comparison: Vitreous Enamel vs. Cold Enamel

While cold enamel offers flexibility and convenience in many creative settings, a piece that has endured high temperatures and been shaped by both fire and time holds a very different kind of meaning. It is this quiet strength—like porcelain or polished stone—that gives vitreous enamel its soul.

In an age where everything moves quickly, discovering the glass-like brilliance and lasting elegance of enamel reminds us to slow down and savor the beauty that endures. At JR Workshop, we believe that true craftsmanship is worth preserving, and that thoughtful creation can still light a fire in our hearts.

Warm Moment · Share Your Story with Us

We’re curious:

• When did you first learn about enamel? What impression did it leave on you?
• What kind of jewelry do you believe is worth cherishing for a lifetime?
• Have you ever created something with your own hands—leaving behind a memory of warmth and care?

Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments below—we read every single one. Who knows? The next piece of inspiration may come from your words.

And if you’d like to learn more about vitreous enamel, cold enamel, or the art of enameling in general, let us know! We’ll continue sharing more behind-the-scenes stories and insights into this fascinating “art of fire and color.”