We were so excited to see that Ben of Third Coast Gems referenced enamel jewelry as a trend in the summer shows. Of course, we’re big fans of the medium. And, since people may be interested in learning more about enamel this summer, we thought we’d give a little background to how May Came Home developed into a colorful enamel jewelry line.
Designer Debbie was introduced to this art form while studying the ancient art of granulation at the famed Kulicke Starke Jewelry School (now Jewelry Arts Institute). It was there that Debbie learned to make cloisonné enamel and was thereafter hooked on the idea of using it as an alternative to stones for adding color to jewelry. Among her teachers were Norma Zotos at the old Craft Students League in the late 90’s, Sally Wright at the JCC and Katharine Wood at the 92nd Street Y.
Debbie’s preferred enamel style, and that which is used to create each enamel piece of May Came Home jewelry, is the champlevé style. Each cell of the pendant, bracelet, earring or ring is filled with enamel, then sanded down to a flat, surface, level with the metal.
While May Came Home's influences come from the world of art and design at large, of the enamel greats, Debbie finds herself most inspired by the work of Earl Pardon, Jamie Bennett, Marilyn Druin and Aurélie Gauillaume, the latter whom recently had a show at the Reinstein Ross Gallery.
The rich colors and sleek surfaces of enamel add the perfect pops to your summer wardrobe, after all its far cooler to layer on jewelry than to layer on clothing. No wonder people are finding themselves drawn to the vibrant style of enamel this season!
