In the world of fine-art jewellery, there are a few precious forms of ornamentation that command attention and admiration, one being Meenakari.
Meenakari is a unique form of handmade jewellery, a technique that focuses on exceptional craftsmanship and breathtaking designs.
This art form of enamelling involves painting and embellishing different metals with bright colours to create dramatic motifs of birds, flowers and leaves.
From Persia to India
Inspired by techniques prevalent in 15th Century Persia, this craft has a long history.
When Raja Man Singh of Jaipur visited the Middle East during the 16th Century, he became an avid admirer of this Persian art of enamelling. On his return home, he left with many Persian artisans who helped him to continue this craft in India.
Where art meets alchemy
The process of Meenakari isn’t simple. The precision and intricacy of this craft begins with two materials, one is the substrate; metal glass or ceramic, the other being powdered glass.
The oxide content in the powdered glass is what determines the colours used to decorate the piece. Yellow is made using potassium chromate; copper oxide for green; cobalt oxide for blue, carbonate of manganese lends a violet tint and so forth.
Once applied to the surface, the piece is cleaned before the application of enamel. Only once the enamel is fired in the kiln to around 850°C do the true colours emerge in the design.
The final product
As part of our Vintage Collection, we have included a unique set of Meenakari earrings. These are our handcrafted green enamel, emerald and diamond earrings with outstanding inlay work.
At Kinnari Design Studio, we pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship, the beauty of our design and the enduring quality of each piece we create.
To shop this collection, send us an email at kinnaridesignstudio@gmail.com
