Odds are, your jewelry box is already bursting with the essentials—think chain-link necklaces, pearl earrings, and everyday hoops. But what about the best enamel jewelry? If a playful pop of color is an element missing from your repertoire, there’s no style more suited to boost the saturation level on your fingers or wrists.
Enameling, a technique that’s been used for centuries, helps add a splash of color to decorative pieces like homeware, accessories, and jewelry when powdered glass is fused to metal or ceramics at high heat. This technique gained popularity during the Art Nouveau period between 1890 and 1910 and is highlighted in many antique creations and vintage jewelry pieces.
Of course, over the years, trends have changed, styles have evolved, and many contemporary jewelry brands have put their own modern spin on enameled jewelry. Brands like Bea Bongiasca, Alison Lou, Melissa Kaye, and Yvonne Léon have all dipped their designs in candy-colored paint, reinvigorating the use of enamel in today’s fine jewelry world. Some have even opted to incorporate enamel in classic shades like black and white, to appeal to the neutrals-loving, minimalist crowd.
From upscale pieces set with rich gemstones to those paired back with beads or classic metals, the best enamel pieces are those that not only exude color but also whimsy and playfulness.
Vogue’s Favorite Enamel Jewelry:
- The Cult Favorite: Bea Bongiasca red enamel and topaz baby vine tendril ring, $675
- The Reimagined Toi-et-Moi: Roxanne Assoulin black cubic-zirconia & enamel ring, $94
- The Pop of Red: Alison Lou heart cocktail ruby & 14kt gold ring, $1,278
- The Bold Clip On: Saint Laurent cabochon clip-on earrings, $1,090
- The Colorful Huggies: Melissa Kaye 18k rose gold, enamel, & diamond huggies, $1,950
- The Gothic Charm: Foundrae blush diamond point initial, $775
- The Dainty Pendant: Jennifer Zeuner mini red enamel heart necklace with diamond, $75
- The Stacking Bracelet: Yvonne Léon 9k gold, cord, enamel, and diamond bracelet, $260
Rings
Match your jewelry to your manicure with a vivid enamel ring. Maybe you’ll opt for Bea Bongiasca’s iconic Vine Tendril Ring, which has graced the fingers of celebrities like Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, and Megan Fox, and is regularly sported by pop star, Dua Lipa.
Necklaces
Dive into enamel headfirst with a fully-coated choker or an enamel beaded necklace, or just dip your toes in with a neutral-colored pendant.
Earrings
From statement-making studs to understated huggies, these colorful picks are great resort wear items to add to your cart ahead of your next sun-soaked vacation.
Bracelets
To add some color to your everyday arm stack, try mixing in an enamel bracelet or two.