Enamel

Vitreous enamel: Usually a lead-soda or lead-potash glass with or without colourants and opacifiers, which are fused to a metal surface with heat (usually around 800C). Vitreous enamels are similar to glazes in ceramics.

Note: The term 'cold enamel' usually refers to enamel paint. The main types of enamelling are as follows:

Basse Taille: Translucent enamel applied over reliefs of gold or silver. The colour varies with the depth of the enamel. C14 onwards.

Lavoro di Basso Rillevo: Almost identical to Basse Taille.

Champlevé: Enamel poured into engraved surfaces in gold, silver, copper or bronze (C12 onwards). Limoges enamels are examples. Also called 'En Taille d'Epargne'.

Cloisonné: Enamel poured into compartments formed by a network of fine wires or strips, soldered onto the surface of an object. This is an ancient process found on Celtic and Byzantine objects.

En Ronde Bosse: Opaque enamel covering of figures on decorative objects made in the round.

Lavoro di Basso Rillevo: Almost identical to Basse Taille.

Painted enamels: Coloured enamels painted onto previously fired opaque enamel ground/base colour. The Limoges factories specialised in this technique.

Surrey enamel: Enamel applied to brass objects especially andirons, candlesticks, sword hilts, etc. A cheap form of enamel ware.