Add Life to Your Charm Bracelet With Enamel Charms
Although not a new item, enamel detailing on Charms is very much back in the fashion spotlight. Enameled Charms have been available for many years and have added color and highlights to
charm bracelets around the world. These types of charms are also very much sought after by collectors as well as those that just enjoy a bit of fun on their bracelet.
Enamel charms are made like other charms and can be a variety of styles from hollow to solid, flat styles of charms or three dimensional charms. Each of the many style of Charms can also be enameled to add a touch of color and brilliance.
In order to make an enamel charm there are several different steps that have to occur. Depending on the amount of enameling on Charms some of these steps may be repeated numerous times to produce the brilliant, vibrant color and shine.
Generally most Charms with enameling are painted by hand, however some are also produced by machines. Typically the newer laser technology and computerized systems have increased the amount of machine painting, but only on large areas of the charms.
The detailed work of enamel charms is still largely done by artists by hand. Each color is added separately with patterns and multicolored charms requiring several different applications of the paint. This makes these charms very much in demand by collectors and charm lovers.
The paint is applied in the methods described above, then the Charms are left to dry. After the paint has dried, other colors may be applied in multi-colored charms with each color being added and allowed to dry to ensure clear, crisp edges and colors.
When the paint is completely dry on all areas of the Charms to be colored, the next step is to apply a coat of clear enamel. This coat covers the surface of the charm or just the specific area where the paint was applied, depending on the individual charm design.
The bright glassy surface both protects the painted areas as well as makes the charms really eye catching on the bracelet. For Charms with just a touch of color the paint is protected by the enamel but the rest of the charm may just be polished and left the natural silver. Charms with enamel color or highlights are a great gift idea for yourself or anyone that loves to collect charms.