The Encyclopedia · Settings & techniques
Champlevé
Enamel laid into hollows carved or cast into the metal.
In champlevé, French for raised field, hollows are carved, engraved or cast into the surface of the metal and filled with enamel, leaving lines of metal between the colors. It was widely used in Victorian jewels, mourning rings and Art Deco pieces.
What to look for
The enamel should sit level with the metal and fill each hollow evenly. Wear on high points can expose the metal.
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