Enamel brings colour to metal through technique rather than surface decoration.

Created by fusing powdered glass to metal at high temperatures, enamel becomes an integral part of the object, producing depth and intensity that cannot be achieved through applied colour alone.

At Links London, enamel is valued for its precision, discipline, and ability to introduce colour with permanence.

The Nature of Enamel

Enamel is formed when finely ground glass is applied to metal and fired in a kiln. The heat causes the glass to melt, flow, and bond with the surface beneath.

Once cooled, the result is a hard, glass-like layer that becomes inseparable from the metal itself.

Colour and Depth

Unlike paint or coating, enamel achieves colour through translucency and layering. Light interacts with enamel in a way that gives depth and richness, often revealing subtle variation within a single tone.

This depth allows enamel to remain visually expressive while maintaining restraint.

Craft and Precision

Enamelling requires accuracy and patience. Each firing carries risk, as colour and surface can shift during the process.

Successful enamel work reflects control rather than excess, balancing colour with form and proportion.

Enamel in Design

Historically, enamel has been used to introduce detail, contrast, and symbolism across jewellery and decorative objects.

Within Links London pieces, enamel is used selectively, enhancing design without dominating it.

Durability and Consideration

While enamel is hard, it remains a glass-based material and responds differently to impact than metal.

Thoughtful handling helps preserve surface integrity and finish.

Care and Preservation

Enamel benefits from gentle care and appropriate storage. Abrasive contact should be avoided to protect surface clarity.

Further guidance on care and handling can be found within the Care department.

Enduring Technique

Enamel’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of colour and permanence.

Neither fleeting nor ornamental, it remains a disciplined craft that rewards precision and restraint.