Enamel Jewelry: How Gold Enamel Pieces Are Made and Cared For
Posted by YANIV SEGAL
Enamel jewelry is metal decorated with colored enamel, a glass-based coating fused to the surface with heat. In gold, it adds color that a gemstone alone cannot: a black cat, a blue evil eye, a green hamsa. Treated gently, it keeps its color for years. Here is how it is made, how to wear it and how to care for it.
What is enamel jewelry?
Enamel is finely ground glass mixed with color. When it is heated, it melts and bonds to the metal underneath, leaving a smooth, glossy layer of color.
Jewelers have used it for centuries to paint pictures, symbols and patterns onto gold. The result reads more like a tiny illustration than a setting.
Our Elegant Enamel rings use this idea on 14K gold. Each design pairs a colored enamel motif with natural diamonds or gemstones, so you get both color and sparkle in one ring.
How are gold enamel pieces made?
Every enamel piece starts as a gold ring with recessed areas, small "wells" where the color will sit. The raised gold edges between them become the outline of the design.
The general process looks like this:
- The gold piece is cast and finished, with recesses shaped for each color.
- Colored enamel is applied into the recesses, one color area at a time.
- The piece is heated so the enamel fuses to the gold.
- Layers may be added and fired again to build up depth and even color.
- The surface is finished smooth and the stones are set.
Because enamel is glass, it is hard and resists scratches well. The flip side is that a sharp knock can chip it, which is why care matters more than with plain gold.
Each of our pieces is made to order in Los Angeles. On ring product pages, the main photo switches to the exact metal and stone you select, so you see the version you are buying before checkout.
Which enamel designs do we make?
Our Elegant Enamel family centers on four symbols, each from $1,908 and set in 14K gold with natural diamonds or gemstones.
| Design | Symbol | Example stone | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat | Playful, independent, a nod to cat lovers | Diamond (Cat No. 3) or blue sapphire (Cat No. 15) | $1,908 |
| Evil Eye | Protection charm across many cultures | Blue sapphire (Evil Eye No. 15) | $1,908 |
| Hamsa | Hand-shaped protection symbol | Emerald (Hamsa No. 5) | $1,908 |
| Cross | Faith, worn daily | Diamond (Cross No. 3) | $1,909 |
The cat is the most playful of the group and our favorite starting point. It is the ring people notice across a table and ask about.
The evil eye and hamsa carry protective meaning, which makes them popular as gifts for a new chapter: a move, a new job, a new baby.
How do you care for enamel jewelry?
Enamel is durable in daily life but does not love impact, harsh chemicals or sudden heat changes. A few habits keep the color bright.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush | Bleach, chlorine, ammonia and harsh household cleaners |
| Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth | Abrasive polishing cloths or pastes on the enamel itself |
| Take it off for the gym, gardening and moving furniture | Knocks against countertops, weights and door frames |
| Store it in its own pouch or compartment | Tossing it loose in a drawer with other jewelry |
| Put it on after lotion, perfume and hairspray | Ultrasonic and steam cleaners |
| Remove it before swimming in pools or hot tubs | Sudden temperature shocks, such as hot water then ice |
The gold and stones need the same care as any fine ring. The enamel is the part that asks for a little extra attention.
If something does happen, our lifetime warranty is there for it. Reach out and we will look at the piece with you.
Is enamel jewelry good for everyday wear?
Yes, for most people. A ring worn to work, dinner and errands will hold up well when you take it off for rough tasks.
If your hands are busy all day, consider wearing an enamel ring on your non-dominant hand. That simple switch reduces the knocks it takes.
- Wear it for daily life, meetings and evenings out.
- Take it off for the gym, cleaning and yard work.
- Check the stones and enamel when you clean it.
- Store it separately so harder stones cannot rub against it.
How do you choose the right enamel ring?
Start with the symbol. Pick the one that means something to you or the person you are buying for, then choose the metal and stone.
Our product photos show these rings in white gold and rose gold. White gold makes blue enamel look crisp, while rose gold warms up greens and reds.
Not sure about the size or how the motif will sit on your finger? A Try It In Real Life replica costs $199 for any ring design, in sizes 4–13 including half sizes.
You keep the replica, and the full $199 is credited toward an order of $1,000 or more. The credit never expires.
If you have your own symbol in mind, we can also design a ring from a photo through our custom ring from a photo service.
Shop the look
- Elegant Enamel Cat Diamond Ring - Cat No. 3, from $1,908. The playful cat with diamond sparkle.
- Elegant Enamel Cat Sapphire Ring - Cat No. 15, from $1,908. The same cat with a blue sapphire.
- Elegant Enamel Evil Eye Sapphire Ring - Evil Eye No. 15, from $1,908. A protective eye in blue.
- Elegant Enamel Cross Diamond Ring - Cross No. 3, from $1,909. A faith symbol with color and a diamond.
Every order includes free engraving, free worldwide shipping and 30-day returns. Looking for more gift ideas? See our luxury jewelry gifts guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is enamel jewelry made of? Enamel is a glass-based coating with color, fused to metal with heat. Our Elegant Enamel rings are 14K gold with natural diamonds or gemstones.
Does enamel jewelry chip? Enamel resists scratches, but a hard knock can chip it. Take it off for the gym, cleaning and heavy work.
How do I clean an enamel ring? Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry with a soft cloth. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Can I wear an enamel ring every day? Yes, for normal daily life. Remove it for rough tasks and store it on its own.
How much does a gold enamel ring cost? Our Elegant Enamel Cat, Evil Eye and Hamsa rings start from $1,908, and the Cross ring from $1,909.
