Powdered minerals, usually mixed with water to create a paste form, are
applied to a metal base using spoons or droppers that facilitate the
application. The product then is fired in temperatures ranging from
750 to 850 degrees Celsius in order to allow for the fusion of the minerals
to the metal, in our products copper. The powder melts, creating a
smooth, hard, chemically resistant, and durable surface, referred to as
vitreous enamel. Besides its use in the jewelry and gift industry, the
enamel has been used to cover the interior walls of ovens, the exterior
walls of kitchen appliances, and bathtubs.
Cloisonné, French for "cell", is one of the techniques of
enameling used for jewelry and decorative items. Thin copper wires are
applied to a metal base, separating
the surface into small cells. The enamel is then applied to the
cells, creating a colorful glassy design.
1. A designed piece is formed using clay, in order to achieve a
three dimensional prototype.
2. The clay sculpture is then used to make a metal mold.
The metal molds are used to create the copper shapes.
Often, many metal molds are needed to create a single ornament. At
least two metal molds are needed when creating such simple shapes as a
ball or an egg.
3. The design which is to be applied onto the shape is drawn on a
piece of paper.
4. Wires are used in order to transfer the drawn design onto the
copper base. The wires are applied using glue. The piece is
then covered with a soldering paste, and heated in a kiln, in order
to ensure the wires are permanently attached. The wires act as color
separators and permit for the enamel to stay in place.
5. The powdered minerals mixed with water are applied onto the
partitions created by wires, in accordance to the design drawn on the
piece of paper. The piece is then left to air dry.
6. When dry, the piece is heated up to 850 degrees Celsius in a
kiln, where the dried mineral crystals are melted, resulting in the
formation of the enamel.
7. The application of the powdered minerals mixed in water is
repeated several times in order to create shadows and various color hues
within each of the partitions. Each time a layer is applied, it is
left to dry, and is then heated in a kiln. This is repeated until
the desired outcome is reached.
8. Due to the heating, the copper base that was not covered with
enamel, experiences oxidation. This is cleaned using chemicals and
prepares the piece for gold plating.
9. The gold or silver film is
applied by electroplating onto the metal
that has not been covered with the enamel, in order to prevent further
oxidation of the copper.
Yes. Each piece is designed by our company and the copy of any of
the pieces is prohibited unless a permission is granted.
The logo tag, first used in 2004, ensures the originality of Victorian
Treasures pieces. The logo tag is attached to the loop or placed at
the bottom of each piece.
The pieces created prior to early 2004 do not contain the logo tags.
They are, however, original and created by Victorian Treasures.
We did not check the time it takes to create all the ornaments we
carry, since the production takes place over several days. We did,
however, time the Alexandra's Garden Flower
Bell ( A-3). Each Flower Bell
needs sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) hours to
be completed, depending on
the experience of the worker.
