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Beauty and glamour are the enduring qualities of jewellery. Kundan and enamelling are two outstanding forms of crafting jewellery. While kundan is used to decorate the front of an ornament, enamelling is used for decorating both sides. Enamelling not only enhances the value and beauty of jewellery, but also serves as a parameter to test the purity of precious metals.
Introduced by Europeans, enamelling was widely used during the Mughal period. The best specimens of enamelled jewellery have been produced during this period. Surprisingly, little has been written about this art. Handcrafted Indian enamel jewellery examines the history and varied techniques of enamelling, and also discusses techniques that closely resemble enamelling, but are distinct from it. With time, the art of enamelling has deteriorated, yet the demand for quality work, found only in old pieces, may lend a new lease of life to this art form.
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