Through the years a variety of enamelling techniques has been developed
and some involve the way in which the enamel is applied.
The following list defines the most relevant techniques we use for our watches production
Champlevé
Is a French word that means “raised field” or “raised plain” and on a practical level means that the enamel is inlaid into hollows created in a way that leaves the metal basis exposed. The hollows are typically made with an etching process, although other methods are possible. Created by the Celts for the first time in the 3rd century AD for decorating their shields, this technique has been always one of the most loved forms of enamelling.
Cloisonné
French word for “division” is a technique in which metal wires are bent to form a design. The wires can be made of copper, even if the contemporary Cloisonnè is most frequently done in silver or gold.
During the Byzantine Empire (6th century AD), the gold Cloisonnè pieces were placed following religious patterns, in Japan reproducing natural scenes meanwhile in China they started to use it around the 13th century.
Basse-taille (Guilloché)
In French means “engine-turning”, and its the mechanical cutting of lines on a metal basis that creates a design. Since the pattern is engraved, with this technique the reflection of light through the overcoat of transparent enamel is enhanced, making it brilliant from any side. The most known, but not first, artist that used this technique and made it famous was Fabergè firstly in Russia and then in 1900 in Paris.