Cloisonne

(cloy-za-nay). An ancient art form. Enameling technique in which thin wire partitions (cloisons) are filled with enamel. Photo courtesy of: collecting.dust

Cloisonne - Closeup

Name comes from the French verb cloisonner (to partition).

Basse-Taille Bracelet

Basse-taille ("low cutting" in French) is an enameling technique in which the underlying metal (usually gold or silver) is carved in low relief (the metal's surface is cut away by engraving or chasing, producing a sculpted surface). Photo courtesy of somerville33

Basse-Taille Bracelet Closeup

The highest point of the relief carving is below the surface of the surrounding metal. Translucent enamels are applied over the carved metal, allowing the design to remain visible through the enamel. Marked H.S. & J.E. Grisson, Sterling, Bermuda. Photo courtesy of somerville33

Basse-Taille and Guilloche Brooch

The hue of the enamel changes with the depth of the glaze, resulting in subtle variations in color over the high and low design elements. This purple example ebodies the techniques of both Basse-Taille and Guilloche. Photo courtesy of collecting.dust

Basse-Taille Brooch - Closeup

Photo courtesy of collecting.dust

Champleve

A type of decorative metalwork in which some areas are hollowed out and filled with wax or enamel and others are left polished. Photo courtesy of: collecting.dust

Champleve - Closeup

Photo courtesy of: collecting.dust

Enamel

Enamel is a glassy (silica) substance that is fused via heat to metal, porcelain or other surfaces. It is quite an ancient art. Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Enamel - Norway Scene 1 of 2

Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Enamel - Norway Scene 1 of 2

Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Guilloche With Rose

Guilloche (pronounced geee-osh) is an ancient art. It is spirograph-like curves or wavy lines that is covered with a translucent enamel. Photo courtesy of: wendell22

Guilloche - Norway Scene

Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Guilloche - Norway Scene - Closup

Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Guilloche - Norway Scene 1 of 2

Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Guilloche - Norway Scene 2 of 2

Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Micromosaic

Often called "micromosiac" this is technically called "tessarae" which are pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic tile that are mounted in adhesive to make a mosaic. Photo courtesy of: gelatogrrl

Micromosaic

These "micromosaic" use very, very small tessarae. This is an ancient art form dating back to the Romans and Greeks. Photo courtesy of: sandras_stuff

Plique A Jour

Plique-a-jour (pleak-ah-zshore) an enameling technique where translucent enamel has only metal sides - no backing. Produces a "stained glass" like effect. Photo courtesy of rumor_has_it

Plique A Jour - Closeup

Photo courtesy of rumor_has_it