Enamel is essentially melted coloured glass. In this technique used here - known as cloisonne - Fine silver wires were bent into shape to form an outline, which is then filled with several layers of coloured glass. Each layer of glass is fired to very high temperature inside a kiln till it liquefies, before a subsequent layer is laid. Every piece has as many as ten layers, each requiring individual firings. The lengthy process results in the creation of a manmade gemstone, with an image that has depth, luminance and texture.
