One Of
A Kind
Jewelry
Discover the unique
beauty of Cloisonne´ and
Plique a Jour Gold
Enamel Jewelry by
Discover the unique
beauty of Cloisonne´ and
Plique a Jour Gold
Enamel Jewelry by
Cloisonne (pronounced cloy-zon-ay, French for ”partition”) is an ancient metalwork technique that makes use of small, precious metal filaments and colorful glass enamels to create brilliant artwork.
The metal wires are bent into shapes to create small cells, (partitions) of designs. Coats of finely ground glass enamel are fired into them until one unique piece of art is rendered. Although it is most commonly used in cloisonne jewelry making, illustrations of the craft can be found in many facets of the art world. As a result of many applications throughout history, you can find hand-made dishes, vases, and abstract pottery.
Plique a jour is a type of enamelwork that has been practiced for centuries, with its origins in ancient Byzantine and Islamic cultures. It is a French term that translates to “letting in daylight,” and refers to the translucent and vibrant effect of the enamelwork that allows light to shine through.
The technique of plique a jour involves creating a delicate framework, often made of high karat gold or silver, that resembles a miniature stained-glass window.
“This elegant construction exemplifies everything that makes Cloisonné enamel jewelry special. The materials chosen, high karat gold and garnet, are rich with the warm tones, deep shine, and understood rarity that makes any object desirable. The composition contains numerous circular references through the overall disk, the cone-shaped stones, and the groupings of spheres around the perimeter. Achieving all this in a compact object, and then making that object a functioning accessory for adornment is at the center of the jeweler’s art. In the end, or perhaps it is the first thing, this jewelry is wonderful to behold.”
“After coming across a shipwreck coin that I wanted to do something different with, I began searching many “beach town” jewelry shops and then went online to contact Patsy Croft. She really came through for me! After discussing some of my ideas and some collaboration we landed on the octopus enveloping the coin! I wanted to somehow blend the coin with my love of sea life and this idea nailed it! The design, the color and detail were exactly what I was hoping for and she kept me close in the process the whole time so I could see the final look coming together. Thank you again, I will treasure this!”
“Patsy’s work is truly unique. The brilliant colors, the attention to detail from every angle makes for a very special piece of jewelry. I love the pieces she has made me – they make me feel beautiful when I wear them, almost as beautiful as they are!”
“I got it! It is SO beautiful.. so much prettier than on your website and it is gorgeous on your website. I will take good care of it, and know I will enjoy wearing it. Butterflies are my favorite. It has such depth and the colors are wonderful.”
“The Mighty Tree reaches for the sky as the sun marks the dawn of a new day. Providing inspiration for mine. On my finger every day, Thank you!”
“Thank you for bringing my Nana’s butterfly back to me. The likeness to the first Cloisonne butterfly is remarkable. It Definitely has her energy!”
Letter from client upon arrival of the pendant.
“My jewel arrived. She is my spirit guide and her name is Ava. She will be near my heart until it stops beating…
Thank you for helping me bring her to the physical plane. My butterfly guide was lost and now is found… and all is well in the world.
Thanks for everything, Patsy.”
“I was over the moon happy with this piece “
“I felt like a queen when I was delivered this magnificent jewel“
“Hi Patsy, Norm gave me my necklace today it is absolutely spectacular, a true work of art. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent signed Shawna“