Enamels 7

JSE-PC08-451 Interpretive Manu

Description: This exquisite one-of-a-kind collector's piece will enchant you to your very soul! The majesty of the ancient technique of cloisonné enamel is further enhanced by the exceptional design artistry.

This pendant is from the Tribal Mask line. It features a focal cabochon of cloisonné. The cab that represents the face is a freeform design measuring 45 x 22 mm and featuring transparent shades of royal blue, lemon yellow, violet, gold, and dark red. The cloisonné has a fine silver base and wires and it is set in a fine silver bezel. The face is framed with a sterling silver back plate that has been fabricated to form the top part of the mask, with sterling balls finishing each of the tips in the design. Overall dimensions are 56 x 39 mm. The bail is constructed with low-dome sterling wire. The back and front are textured. The entire piece is depletion silvered and burnished. The cloisonné and the pendant were designed and hand fabricated by J. S. Ellington and the piece is one of a kind. The back is quality stamped and stamped with the JSE initials.

The Italian 8-sided sterling snake chain is included. 

The pendant is sold with a black velvet bag with the J S Ellington logo which is inside a white cardboard packer. An anti-tarnish square is included. A signed and numbered certificate is provided in a packet which also includes care instructions.

Enamel in its dry form is a glass powder somewhat finer than granulated sugar. A base coat of enamel is fired onto the metal base in a kiln. The base is usually fine silver, fine gold, or copper. Fine silver or fine gold (24K) cloisonné wires (and in some cases copper) are shaped and positioned onto the base coat. The wires are fired in place and subsequently the cells are packed with multiple layers of enamel, with firing between each layer, converting the layers to solid glass. The beautiful depth in the enamel piece is created by the layering and by blending and shading the colors in each layer. As many as 20 firings are required in some cases. 

The gorgeous color depth cannot be appreciated from a photo!