Enamel is an opaque, opalescent or transparent glossy substance that is a type of glass, applied by vitrification to metallic or other hard surfaces for ornament or as a protective coating.

Enamel is often applied to jewellery, but can also be found on glass, ceramics and other decorative objects, as well as functional objects such as vessels, baths, signposts and sinks. It is an ancient craft, but one still used by craft makers around the world today.

To enamel an object, coloured glass is first ground to a fine powder, or fine powdered minerals (such as sand, borax, metals) are used. The powder is laid on a prepared surface and then baked at an intense heat. This heat fuses the enamel to the object.

Vitreous enamel is specifically on a metal base. In American English it is referred to as Porcelain Enamel. 

Read more about champlevé enamelling. 

Search Craft Scotland for makers working in enamel (such as Grace Girvan, pictured).

Watch a video with Craft Scotland maker Stacey Bentley, who uses enamel in her jewellery.