CLOISONNÉ
EARRINGS, CHINA
Here's how a cloisonné bead is made:
A copper body is hammered and welded.
Then wire "cells" (where the word "cloisonné"
came from) are formed and soldered on the copper body.
Preliminary enamel filling and firing is completed (numerous
colors of enamels are used in a single bead). Then 3 or more thin layers
of enameling are filled and fired (never a heavy layer since it will bubble up
and burn).
Grinding off of excess enamel is done, then preliminary
polishing, then final polishing.
Finally, 24 k gold electroplating is done to complete the
gilding of the cloisonné bead, which adheres to all the brass wired
"cells" to make a beautiful work of art in each bead!