ARTIST -   ERIK SCHWARTZ

ENAMEL SPECIALTIES

GILLSVILLE, GEORGIA

AMERICAN MADE ENAMEL ARTWORKS

ERIK’S BEAUTIFUL PIECES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE MALL AND MAKE THE PERFECT

ONE-OF-A-KIND  GIFT!!!

ABOUT THE ARTIST:  Erik lives in Gillsville, GA, with his wife Marte. He enjoys many hands on hobbies and enamel jewelry making has become a great source of self fulfillment and artistic expression. When asked what appeals to him about enameling, his response was, “I have always been intrigued by the fusion of different materials by fire, because the results are different each time. The inspiration for my designs is universal and limitless, as are the color combinations. That is why each piece is unique, no two ever the same.”

How is enamel jewelry made ? Cloisonné enamel jewelry is made by forming copper, silver, or gold wire into a design and adhering it to a metal base, usually copper or silver. After firing in a kiln at 1500o F the enamel colors are applied. The enamel is made of powdered glass and carefully put into each compartment, or cloisonné (cell), using a very fine artist brush. After all compartments have a thin layer of color the piece is fired again. This process is repeated several times to achieve the desired level. Using an alundum stone the piece is ground smooth and fired one last time to the final smooth, glossy finish.

Enamel jewelry has many excellent properties: it is smooth, chemically resistant, durable and has brilliant long lasting color for many years of enjoyment.