What's popular at Divella Designs?

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” ~Wassily Kandinsky

When I first began making jewelry I was beading so my days were full of color. When I switched to metals things were a little more monochromatic with the exception of the stones, like these fine silver and amethyst earrings.

There is a psychological component to how we feel color. Red attracts the most attention and is associated with strong emotions whereas blue suggests calm, serenity and peace. Shades of red can denote autumn, summer is often associated with summer. With color making such a big impact on our psyche, it’s no wonder my enamels have become a bestseller. 

In addition to being inspired by color, I look to nature. The Lichen series is my most popular and was provoked by the lichen growing on the stones and bark in the woods surrounding my home. I knew there had to be a way to replicate that marvelous texture in jewelry.

Let’s begin by explaining what form of enamel we’re talking about. I use only unleaded vitreous enamel  powder produced by Thompson in Bellevue, Kentucky. They’ve been making vitreous enamel for 119 years so I guess they know what they’re doing! 

In my enamel work I begin with CDA #110 copper; 99.9% pure in sheet form. I clean & shape the metal and drill the holes for the ear wires to prepare it for enameling. Enamel powder is applied to the back and fired in the kiln at 1450°, then a second coat is applied and fired. The front is then cleaned to accept the 2-4 coats of enamel to come depending on the technique I’m using. Each layer is fired individually and cooled before the next coat can be applied.

Nearly always the enamel as it is fired will spill over onto the edge. After all coats are fired (and sometimes between) the edges are ground down, sanded and polished. All that’s left to do at that point is add the ear wires.

Check out some more colorful enamel earrings in a variety of shapes and sizes and find your favorite color.