Can I Change the Colors on My Enamel Jewelry?

Did you know that wearing certain colors can impact your mood? Colorful jewelry can make a big difference in the way you feel, the way you accessorize, and the way you express yourself. If you love colorful jewelry, you probably already have some enamel pieces in your collection. Instead of buying an entirely new piece of jewelry to change up your color palette, you can just change the color of the enamel jewelry you already have! In this article, we’ll show you how.

What is Enamel? 

Enamel is a smooth, glassy coating that fuses to metal when it is fired in a kiln at extremely high temperatures, usually between 1400 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. The enamel material begins as a fine powdery substance that turns into a durable finish when it’s melted and hardened on a metal base. Enamel is a great way to add a splash of solid color to your metal jewelry without getting into the intricacies of beading or gemstones.

This interesting vintage owl pin is covered with enamel.

The Enameling Process Explained

Applying enamel to a piece of jewelry is a complex process that requires skill and precision. First, the jeweler will thoroughly clean the piece of jewelry and polish the metal base until it's flawlessly smooth. Polishing and cleaning the piece ensures that no dust particles or debris get in the way of the enamel coating. 

Then the jeweler will apply the enamel by sifting the fine powder over the metal in layers. The enameled jewelry bakes in a hot kiln in order to melt the powder and fuse it with the metal. The jeweler might repeat this process several times to add more layers of enamel, creating depth and dimension. After the final firing, the jeweler will take the enamel piece out of the kiln to let it fully cool and harden.

This ring was missing enamel; after the stones were tightened and secured, enamel was reapplied to the missing portions.

Can I Change the Color of My Enamel Jewelry?

Yes, you can change the color of your enamel jewelry! If you’re looking for a change, you can ask your jeweler to swap out your existing enamel for a different hue. If your enamel is broken or damaged, the jeweler will remove any enamel layers from your jewelry and start from scratch. If your enamel is intact, the jeweler will break the existing enamel and carefully remove the colorful glass from the metal before applying new enamel using the normal enameling process. 

Keep in mind that the more detailed the enamel, the more complicated the process. For example, if your Hermes Clic H bracelet has an elaborately painted enamel scene, changing it will be more intricate than simply applying a solid color of enamel powder. Because of the refined techniques and extra effort required, this level of enameling could take longer and perhaps cost a bit more. 

How to Choose Your New Enamel Color

There are a few factors to consider when you decide to change your enamel jewelry color. First, take a look at your other jewelry collection and your wardrobe. Think about the aesthetic you’re going for — bright and bold? Natural and earth-toned? Romantic, whimsical, classic? Consider how the color of your new piece might fit into go-to looks. Choose a color or pattern that will complement your other jewelry and your wardrobe to give you the overall vibe you want. 

Next, consider the energy you want to encapsulate in your jewelry. Like we mentioned, the colors you wear have an impact on your mood, so think about the emotion you want to experience. According to color theory experts, yellow can boost your confidence and joy, royal blue can help you tap into your inner wisdom and intuition, and magenta can help you to feel more grounded and stable. Choose pink to channel self-love, or orange to inspire change. No matter what color you choose, make sure that it resonates with you and makes you feel like you’re expressing yourself. 

You don’t have to buy a new piece of jewelry to change up your look; reinventing your enamel jewelry can be easy and simple. When you’re ready to embrace a new color, place your pieces in the capable hands of our jewelry repair team who can give your enamel jewelry an entirely new vibe. The result will be one-of-a-kind, personalized pieces you'll love wearing for years to come.