Plique-a-Jour Pictorial


1 Minute Read

HomeLearning CenterJewelry MakingPlique-a-Jour Pictorial
By John ShanahanMore from this author

This article Amy Roper Lyons offers two things: a Plique-a-Jour pictorial and three safety tips when handling or working with enamel.

1) Lyons has mixed her enamel powders with water and Klyr Fire (an adhesive), and they are now ready to apply to the earring.
2) After applying the first layer of enamel, Lyons places the earring into the kiln.
3) The earring after the first firing in the kiln. Plique-à-jour enameling is set into the metal framework in thin layers and then under fired until they just barely start to melt.
4) Lyons applies another layer of enamel to the earring. Plique-àjour projects can take anywhere between 4 to 10 firings, depending on the size of the piece for the openings to thoroughly fill with enamel.
5) After the final firing, all holes are filled and the enamel is fully fused, creating a stained glass effect.

Three Safety Tips

Enameling is a beautiful art, ut when you reak it right down, it comprises three dangerous aspects: tiny glass particles, harmful fumes, and infrared radiation. Amy Roper Lyons offers three quick tips to deal with each of these.

  1. When working with dry enamel powders, take care to not create dust. "I prefer wet packing as there is no dust," Lyons says. When working, wet-wipe countertops and wet-mop your shop floor instead of vacuuming, whixh raises dust. Always wear a respirator when sifting enamel. Never eat or drink in the work area.
  2. When firing the enamel, either in a kiln or with a torch, make sure your work area has appropriate and efective ventilation.
  3. When putting work into or taking work out of a hot kiln, wear welding glasses or similarly rated eye protextion to avoid eye damge from infrared radiation given off by the hot kiln.
Also see:

In association with

The award-winning Journal is published monthly by MJSA, the trade association for professional jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It offers design ideas, fabrication and production techniques, bench tips, business and marketing insights, and trend and technology updates—the information crucial for business success. “More than other publications, MJSA Journal is oriented toward people like me: those trying to earn a living by designing and making jewelry,” says Jim Binnion of James Binnion Metal Arts.

Click here to read our latest articles
Click here to get a FREE four-month trial subscription.

You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of the safety resources available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC does not assume any liability for the materials, information and opinions provided on, or available through, this web page. No advice or information provided by this website shall create any warranty. Reliance on such advice, information or the content of this web page is solely at your own risk, including without limitation any safety guidelines, resources or precautions, or any other information related to safety that may be available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC disclaims any liability for injury, death or damages resulting from the use thereof.


John Shanahan

The All-In-One Jewelry Making Solution At Your Fingertips

When you join the Ganoksin community, you get the tools you need to take your work to the next level.

Become a Member

Trusted Jewelry Making Information & Techniques

Sign up to receive the latest articles, techniques, and inspirations with our free newsletter.