Enamel

Enamel is a coloured surface used in jewellery to create a smooth, glossy, and durable look. It comes in many colours – from classic white and black to bold pastels and bright shades – and gives jewellery a more playful or graphic expression. Enamel is typically applied as a layer in recessed areas or on selected details, so the colour stands out crisply. It’s a popular choice because it adds clear colour without using gemstones. With normal care, enamel jewellery can stay beautiful for a long time.

Enamel is a material/finish you often see in jewellery when colour, contrast, and a clean look are desired. In practice, enamel is a glass-like coating applied to metal and cured, creating a smooth, even surface. The result is a richly coloured finish that can make anything from a minimalist piece to a more eye-catching statement.

What is enamel in jewellery?

Enamel is a coating used to add colour to jewellery. It’s typically applied to selected areas – for example a small panel, a line, a pattern, or recessed details – so the metal and colour work together. Enamel can give a piece a more graphic feel, or make a design softer and more feminine depending on the colour choice.

In jewellery, enamel is often used because it delivers strong colour impact without the need for gemstones. This makes it possible to create colourful pieces that still feel easy to wear every day.

What colours does enamel come in?

Enamel can be made in a wide range of colours, so it varies from collection to collection. The most classic shades are often:

black enamel
white enamel
blue, green, red
pastels such as pink, mint, and lavender

This colour freedom is exactly why enamel is popular: you can choose a neutral shade that goes with everything, or a colour that makes a clear statement.

Is enamel a “stone”?

No – enamel is not a stone. It’s a coating/finish used to add colour and surface. That also means enamel can look very uniform in colour, because it doesn’t have natural variation in the same way gemstones do.

Is enamel durable?

Enamel is generally durable for normal wear, but it’s important to understand that it’s still a surface that can get marks from hard knocks or if it rubs against rough/hard materials. In some cases, enamel can chip slightly if exposed to impact, or if the jewellery often hits hard edges (for example rings worn during practical work). With earrings and necklaces, most people find enamel stays beautiful for a very long time, because they’re not exposed to the same wear as rings.

Can enamel handle water, soap and perfume?

The best advice is to treat enamel jewellery like other jewellery: avoid unnecessary contact with chemicals. Perfume, hairspray, cleaning products, and strong soaps can, over time, affect the surface or make it look more matte. Water itself isn’t necessarily a problem, but repeated exposure to soap and chemicals (showering, washing up, cleaning, perfume) is typically what causes the most wear.

If you want to be on the safe side, take enamel jewellery off when:

showering and swimming
washing up and cleaning
sports and activities involving impact/friction

How do you clean enamel jewellery?

Clean enamel gently. Use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. If needed, use a small amount of mild soap in lukewarm water and dry afterwards with a soft cloth. Avoid hard brushes, abrasive cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaning, as these can damage the surface.

Can enamel get scratched?

Yes, enamel can get scratches or small marks – especially if it’s stored together with other jewellery in a bag or jewellery dish. That’s why it helps to store enamel pieces separately, for example in a small pouch or a separate compartment in a jewellery box.

Why do many people choose enamel in jewellery?

Enamel is often chosen because it offers:

colour and personality without gemstones
a clean, smooth, modern look
the option of subtle details or more colourful statements

It’s also an easy way to match jewellery to your wardrobe: the same design can feel completely different depending on whether the enamel is neutral or colourful.

How do you style enamel?

Enamel works both on its own and layered with other pieces. A pair of enamel earrings can be “the little twist” in a simple outfit, while enamel details across several pieces can create a more cohesive colour theme. Neutral colours like black and white are easy to wear with everything, while colours and pastels often give a more playful, seasonal feel.