If you are a vintage jewelry lover, you are surely familiar with seeing this type of “rose” motif, typically referred to as Guilloché (pronounced gee-oh-shay) used often in vintage jewelry.
What you may not know, however (as I didn’t!), is that it is not the painted rose that is at the heart of this technique, but it is the swirled engraved background design on the metal. Take a close look & you will clearly see it. It is produced using a special lathe or “rose machine” & originally dates back to the 17th century!
This technique became most popular during the Victorian era & was used to enhance the appearance of watches, fine & costume jewelry, compacts & vanity bags, along with all sorts of other decorative & vanity items.
Guilloché Enamel, which is typically what we see in vintage jewelry (as shown here) is metal that has been given the Guilloché treatment, then covered with a thin translucent layer of enamel which enhances the patterns underneath & allows for a hand-painted motif to be easily applied.
It's so pretty, so feminine & so rich looking! I am always drawn to it & feel extremely lucky when I can rescue & re-use it in a one-of-a-kind jewelry design.
Romancing the Rose Statement Earrings feature rescued Guilloché Enamel Rose Motif Focals & are currently available in my one line store. Come take a closer look!
With timeless jewelry that is always in fashion -
Warm regards,
Suzanne
I'm interested in the dragon fly bracelet is it available and how much ?