Enamelling Plique-à-Jour - Stained glass in jewelry

Plique-à-Jour (also called stained glass or day cloisonné) is a very beautiful technique, by which the transparent enamel is applied in cells cut in metal (without a covered base). Thus the passing light, intensifies and reflects the colors, as in a miniature stained glass window.

The term plique-à-jour (part Italian, part French) would translate "stretched for the light", stretched like a membrane (plique) to let the daylight through (a jour)

There are 4 types of metal preparation techniques before plique-à-jour enamel: by cutting (punching), by welding filigree threads, Shotai' jippo - cloisonne threads & acid etching and cloisonné threads on a small support.

In this course, we will create pieces with fluid shapes and learn how to apply the Plique-a-jour technique through the cutting method.

This enameling course is an intensive one that lasts for 3 days. The basic materials that can be used in the course are 999 silver sheets or 999 silver clay, depending on the experience of the students.

To participate in the Plique-à-Jour course, students are required to have experience in metal drilling or to have attended at least the course. Basic techniques in traditional jewelry. Experience in enamel application techniques is welcome, but not necessarily required.

Before participating, please read the safety and security rules carefully!

IN-DEPTH TECHNIQUES

• Metals used in the Plique-a-jour technique
• Creating and transferring design to metal
• Correct metal cutting
• Metal formation
• Preparation of metal for enamelling
• The color palette
• Preparing the email and the work area
• Filling cells
• Understanding the combustion process
• Finishing and polishing enameled parts

**The techniques in this course are developed by Instructor Corina Gheorghe. The teaching methodology and the information about the design and creation of the pieces belong to ©Artkimia.