Antique Enameling Styles for Gorgeous Jewelry Boxes For Women

Of the many kinds of jewelry boxes for women, the loveliest ones are those made with enamel. Enamel is created when powdered glass is fused into a substrate by getting it fired at high temperatures. This molten powder then flows in the form of a vitreous coating over metal objects making the surface smooth and pretty.

The word enamel can be vaguely traced back to two languages. It is possible to have originated from the Old High German word 'smelzan' which meant to smelt. It is also quite possible that it came from the French word 'esmail'.

The process of enameling we know today has been passed on from civilizations like the Egpytian, where cut, colored glass was used to decoratively fill in gold cells known as cloisonné. From there, it is possible that the Greeks or the Celts took it a step further by melting the glass.

Several civilizations like the Chinese, Indian and Roman made use of this art form. In the 18th century, artisans of Battersea and Straffordshire in England improvised the use of enamel using it for beautiful boxes. They became quite popular among nobility who used them for a number of reasons.

Enamel boxes were often given away as gifts to nobility and royalty. People made use of these boxes to hold make up and jewelry as well as snuff at times. In fact the royal class still prefer giving these boxes as gifts.

Russia's famed Peter Carl Faberg can be credited with taking enamel to new creative heights with the creation of the famous Fabergé eggs. Enamel boxes can be complex to make depending on their design, but here is a basic idea on their creation.

Boxes are first made of pure metals such as copper, which is common and gold which is most expensive. They are shaped into desired patterns. Enamel is sprayed onto the box, then fired to get a really smooth finish. Once this part is done, the surface becomes unbreakable and strong. These boxes can then last for centuries.

The image to be added will be drawn or photographed before it is made into a template. This aids in the hand painting of the design onto the surface of the box. After this, the design is fired again to fuse it to the enameled surface of the box.

There are a number of techniques used in enameling. Every one of them is different and comes out with a unique design. Among the techniques are Cloisonné, Champlevé, Grisaille, Limoges enamel, specific to Limoges in France and Plique-à-jour besides others. Each technique is referred to by its French name and is unique in its looks.

So don't wait to go to a museum to look at some enamel work. Give yourself or a loved one with a box of this kind.

This article was written by Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes feature evocative wood art designs, created from unique wood grain patterns and colors. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!

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