Craftsmanship

Designed and crafted by jeweller and enameller Kay Hammond in her home studio, the pieces are made from vitreous enamel and recycled sterling silver. Using complex heritage techniques such as cloisonné and plique-à-jour, the jewellery is crafted slowly and in limited quantities.

[1] Vitreous Enamelling

Vitreous enamel is a glass-like coating,crafted by fusing selected minerals to sterling silver at temperatures between 700 and 800°C. For example, gold is used to create pink shades, and cobalt for rich blues.

[2] Cloisonné

Cloisonné is a technique that is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt. The French term refers to a form of artisanal decoration in which fine strips of metal are applied to a metal surface in closed shapes called cloisonnés. Multiple thin layers of enamel are individually applied into the cloisonnés and the piece is fired in the kiln after each application.

[3] Plique-à-Jour

Plique-à-Jour (French: letting in daylight) is a vitreous enamelling technique where enamel is applied into small cells with no backing and fired in a kiln. The enamel powdered glass enamel ground with water and small amounts applied to the cells cut from the metal. The enamel is suspended from the cells and kiln fired. It is a challenging labour intensive technique. Transparent enamel is used so that the light can shine through the charms