Atlanta Antique Gallery - Cloisonné

Cloisonné, an ancient metalworking technique, is a multi-step process used to produce jewelry, vases, and other decorative items. (The resulting objects can also be called cloisonné.) The technique can be used either for enamel, today much the most commonly found, or for gemstone inlays. In either variety a shape making part of the design is surrounded by a thin metal edge, forming a compartment. With enamel liquid enamel is poured to fill the compartment; with gemstones a pre-cut matching piece of inlay is hammered and perhaps glued into it.