The earliest known enameled articles are 6 enameled gold rings dated from the 13th century BC, discovered in a Mycenean tomb at Kouklia, Cyprus. Later, religious works were enameled during the Byzantine era. During the 15th Century, artisans perfected using the glass in a painting technique in Limoges, France while in the 19th century Faberge eggs, which combine jewels with enamels, are world famous.
Cloisonne (the addition of fine wires separating the colors) was perfected in the Orient. Twentieth century artists have expanded the use of the medium to include large murals, sculpture, as well as jewelry and objects such as chalices and vases. Many may remember enameling from school or camp days when powdered glass was placed onto copper shapes and fired in a kiln.
Enamel (glass) is crushed to a powder somewhat finer than granulated sugar. Fine silver or 24K gold fine ribbons of wire are placed onto an enameled surface and fired in a kiln to hold their position. After the wires are fired in place thin layers of colored enamel are packed into each cell using a fine sable brush or special tools and then fired in a kiln at 1475 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. This process is repeated until the enamels reach the top of the wires. The beautiful depth in the enamel piece is created by blending and shading the finely ground enamels and from the repeated firings. As many as 20 firings can go into each piece. Once the enameling process is complete, the enameled piece is ground and polished. Linda designs and fabricates all of her own settings using precious and semiprecious gems, minerals, found objects, silver and gold.
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