Click to see more brooches.

Click to see more brooches.

The story starts in the 1980's with a small company with a singular focus on the work and artistry of enameling. We began with the simplest enameling technique which is called Cloisonné - cells of glass bounded by fine wires. This enabled us to explore combinations of glass colors with different patterns which is the very heart of enameling.

We didn't know it then - but it was the tip of an iceberg. The use of enamel to decorate jewelry goes back several thousand years with a rich design history - from the Egyptians to the Celts and on to our era with Art Nouveau.

Enameling experienced a revival from the 1850's featuring prominently in work by the master jewelry houses like Lalique, Boucheron and Tiffany. The French demonstrated great skill and bestowed the names of the enameling techniques we use today. Yet the greatest admiration is reserved for the Russian Fabergé workshops - for their 'Creations of Fantasy' for the Czars. Their work is an inspiration for all who love enamels.

Such heritage...our work's cut out for us.

We hope you'll follow Nicole Barr jewelry as we continue to develop and practise the Art of Fine Enameling now in the 21st Century.

	The foremost of these enameling techniques is called Plique á Jour and is essentially miniature stained glass supported by a filigree of precious metal. Light is captured by the glass with a diaphanous effect.
	A second enameling technique is called Champlevé. This work entails casting a 3/D metal object and enameling the surface. Enameling brings out subtle details in the design with varying depths of color and the 3/D shape produces surprisingly lifelike pieces.
	Many people are familiar with the engine turned enamel boxes made popular by Fabergé and Cartier. This enameling is called Basse-Taille and is produced by embossing a surface with a finely detailed pattern. The depth of the enamel applied and the reflective properties of the metal infuse a texture and color that is the principal feature of these designs.

These Art of Enameling techniques, in conjunction with the fine metalsmith work and gemstone setting, produce colorful jewelry which is attractive and unique.

Offering a wide range of jewelry from classic Art Nouveau or Deco styles through to modern designs, with over 700 pieces to choose from.

 Nicole Barr jewelry - creative and contemporary - Make a statement !

Watch a Video on YouTube of Plique a Jour enameling

Many brides want jewelry they can wear for years to come, to remind them of their special day.   Pearls are the oldest gemstone and were once considered the most valuable. They represent purity, and no two are alike.  They also make lovely pearl (30 year) wedding anniversary gifts.

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Many brides want jewelry they can wear for years to come, to remind them of their special day.   Pearls are the oldest gemstone and were once considered the most valuable. They represent purity, and no two are alike.  The Nicole Barr bridal collection will match any outfit and also make lovely pearl (30 year) wedding anniversary gifts. See the collection...

Here are some ideas for a special gift.
Click on link to see products.

Tools and Materials 

* Tissue paper

* Soft cloths

* A bowl

* A nylon stocking

* Liquid detergent

* A toothbrush

* A jewelry cloth 

Step 1 – Handling Your Enamel Jewelry

Be careful whenever you are handling your enamel jewelry. Accidentally dropping it could cause chips in the enamel.

Step 2 – Soaking Your Jewelry

Carefully place your jewelry in the nylon stocking. Set the stocking of jewelery in a large plastic bowl. Pour lukewarm water over the jewelry until it is covered. Add about three squirts of liquid detergent to the water. Gently agitate the water with the stocking. Allow the jewelry to sit in the warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes.

Step 3 – Cleaning Your Jewelry

Carefully remove the pieces from the nylon stocking. Place them on a soft cloth. Use the toothbrush to carefully and gently clean any stuck on dirt and residue. Be sure to clean all of the fine design work. Rinse the jewelry in cool, clear water. If you run them under the tap, be sure the sink stopper is securely in place. Do not use tap water if it is hard, as hard water can leave spots. If you have hard water, use bottled or distilled water instead.

Step 4 – Drying Your Jewelry

Place jewelry on the soft cloth to dry. Gently pat dry with another cloth. If possible, use a hair dryer to dry off any excess moisture. Be sure the hair dryer is set to low heat before you use it. This will prevent any heat damage.

Step 5 – Polishing Your Jewelry

Use a soft cloth to polish the enamel and gold and silver. Rub the jewelry in small circular motions until the enamel and the gold and silver begin to shine.

Step 6 – Wrapping Your Jewelry

Place jewelry on tissue paper and wrap it up before you put it way. The paper will protect the glass from accidental scratches and chips. Place the wrapped pieces of jewelery in a separate storage box. This will prevent them from being bumped against other items and becoming accidentally damaged.

Step 7 – Maintenance Between Cleanings

Use a jewelry cloth to wipe any residue from your jewellery after you take it off. Remove your jewelry if you are using household cleaners or applying hand cream or perfume. 

Caring for your enamel jewelry in this way will preserve its beauty for many years.

A charm bracelet, individual charms, earrings and pendants all retail from £30 - £200 in multiple colours per design.

The collection was created in response to requests from our customers on the eastern seaboard areas of the U.S. for more nautical themes. However, the designs have proved equally popular in the U.K.  See collection.

Create an event at your shop by hosting an Enamel Day.  It’s an easy way to attract new customers as well as educate and sell to your existing customers. Enamel is our speciality and we’d love to help make your event a success. Here are some ideas for how to organize it.

1. Contact your Nicole Barr sales representative as soon as possible.  We will do everything possible to support your Enamel Day. 

2. Choose your date as soon as possible – and send invitations to your database of customers, advertise in the local paper, hand out invitations to customers in your shop, post a notice on your website and also in the shop. Inform the local newspaper if there’s an opportunity for free publicity before or after the event. 

3. Offer free refreshments (e.g. wine and cheese, cold drinks, snacks) and a doorprize(s) for everyone attending. (an opportunity to collect names, addresses and email addresses for your next event!) Nicole Barr will donate a free jewellery item as a doorprize. Other enamel suppliers may also wish to participate. 

4. Goals for the day: Build Customer Relations – Inform – Sell 

5. Have enough enamel jewellery stock on hand to have a good display and choice. (Place your order 8 weeks before the event.) 

6. Your Nicole Barr representative may also be able to attend with their sample cases to offer more choice – and an opportunity for additional special orders. They can also answer questions about the Art of Enamelling. 

7. Nicole Barr Art of Enamelling brochures can be provided to give to each customer – explaining the techniques like plique-a-jour,  basse-taille and champleve.

8. One U.K. retailer who had a successful Enamel Day gave each customer a goodie bag with a jewellers loop. This was a big hit and emphasized the quality his customers have come to appreciate. 

9. Take photos on the day – of visitors and the door prize winners.  These can generate more free publicity after the event with the local paper and on your website. 

For more information or help with your event, contact us.