Product FAQs

  • Many members of the gallery accept commissions.  Please reach out via our contact form for more information.  

  • SHIPPING:
    Package total under $200: Priority USPS shipping $10

    Package total $200-$1000:  Priority USPS shipping+signature confirmation+insurance $20

    Package total $1000+: Priority USPS shipping+signature confirmation+insurance $30

    Oversized items may require extra shipping.  If this is the case, it will be noted in the item description. 

    All orders are shipped within 5 business days. If you need your order sooner, please contact us, and we will inform you if expedited shipping is possible.

  • Made to order items, earrings, and resized or otherwise modified items cannot be returned or exchanged.  All other items may be exchanged within 7 days of receipt in original condition.  Once the item(s) are received and inspected by the Enamelists Gallery, store credit will be issued in the amount of the purchase price not including shipping costs.  Please contact the gallery prior to shipping your merchandise. Customer is responsible for return shipping, and we recommend insuring your package, as we are not responsible for lost or damaged items.   

  • Enamel is quite durable when treated with a bit of care. Glass generally reacts negatively to being dropped; enamel may crack or chip.

  • Treat the piece as you would any piece of fine jewelry. If the setting tarnishes, a quick buff with a silver cleaning cloth should remove the discoloration.  A warm soak in soapy water followed by a gentle toothbrush scrub can remove oily buildup like lotions.  

  • Please reach out to the gallery member who created your piece to determine the best course of action for repairs. Some repairs are straightforward, but refiring to repair a chip or crack can be problematic.

  • Ear wires are made of sterling silver, gold filled wire, surgical steel, or niobium. Niobium is a hypoallergenic metal which can be colored by running an electric current through a solution. Multiple colors can be created in this manner.

  • Gold filled metal is usually 14 carat gold surrounding a core of brass. The gold is bonded to the surface of the metal using heat and pressure. By law, gold must make up at least 5% of the total weight of the wire or metal sheet, as regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. By contrast, gold plated metal is a very light layer of gold (0.05%) plated over brass or silver. Gold filled jewelry will not rub off or tarnish easily.

  • A ring sizer will determine your size. We have one in the gallery and we would be happy to assist you. 

  • While many enamels are lead free, vintage and international enamels are often lead bearing.  Finished enamel jewelry is generally accepted as very low risk for lead exposure, however, ingestion of leaded glass or eating off of lead bearing enamels can increase exposure.  For these reasons, do not purchase enamel jewelry for anyone under 18, or use any decorative enameled dishes for serving food.

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Enameling FAQs

  • Enamel is finely ground glass (about the consistency of flour) sifted or applied wet to a metal substrate. The piece is then fired in a kiln or with a torch. The glass melts and then bonds to the metal.

  • The artist often starts with a sketch and then chooses colors. The enamel is applied wet or dry onto the metal base, and then fired in a kiln or by torch at a temperature generally between 1350 - 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. After firing, the piece is allowed to cool and the process is repeated. Colors are applied in thin layers and a piece may require 15 or more firings. The piece is then cleaned and set.

  • Copper, fine silver, high carat gold and steel. Unalloyed metals are preferred because a mix of metals (such as sterling silver) may react negatively in firing.

  • Artists derive inspiration from many sources. Nature, history, travel, and personal experiences are a few of the many things that spark our creativity.

  • Most of us learned through taking classes and workshops. YouTube is also a good source of information.

  • Some members of the gallery teach in the metro DC area. Other resources include the Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia, Glen Echo Park in DC, and the Baltimore Jewelry Center. Many classes and workshops can also be accessed online. Pocosin Arts has a wonderful selection of online instruction, and a Google search will have suggestions for other opportunities.

  • The basics can be learned in a couple of class sessions; a mastery of the art takes years, and most of us would say we’re still learning.

  • Suppliers of enamel, tools, and supplies may be found online. A Google search will provide sources, however, consulting someone familiar with the medium will help you make sometimes confusing choices. Suppliers favored by our members include Thompson Enamel, Cool Tools, E-namels, and Enamel Warehouse, to name a few.