Enamel Earrings and Necklace Set on Seashell (MinaKari)

Enamel (MinaKari) is the ancient art of decorating different metals, mostly copper, with colorful paintings and designs. In Esfahan enamel works, the decorative piece is first glazed in kiln with pure white glaze. Afterwards, colors are applied on the white surface. MinaKari colors are actually consisted from powdered oxides of various metals plus resin. Persian enamellists don’t use any white color. Instead, they subtly clear lines of color to let the base white glaze show off. The carefully painted object will later be baked in temperature high enough to melt the powders, so that the painting sits permanently on copper in a smooth, glossy way. Enamel work is widely done on various decorative pieces as well as different kinds of jewelry.