Cornish Enamel Jewellery: The Glas Mor Collection
At Sennen Jewellery, we stock the full Glas Mor collection by St Justin, a beautiful range of sterling silver Cornish enamel jewellery inspired by the colours of the sea. Handmade in Penzance, Cornwall, each piece combines traditional silversmithing with coloured glass enamel, creating distinctive designs that capture the changing shades of coastal waters.
We wanted to share a little more about enamel: how it creates such beautiful colour, what makes it different from other jewellery materials, and how to care for it so your piece can be enjoyed for years to come.
What is enamel?
Enamel is glass. Finely powdered glass is applied to a recess in the metal and fired in a kiln until it melts and fuses to the surface. Unlike paint or plating, the colour becomes an integral part of the jewellery rather than simply sitting on top of it.
In the Glas Mor collection, this traditional technique creates beautiful azure tones inspired by the sea. Each piece is hand enamelled, and subtle variations mean that no two items are exactly alike.
Colour that lasts
One of the great attractions of glass enamel is its lasting colour. Unlike some pigments, paints and surface coatings, properly fired glass does not normally fade with age. The blue of an enamelled pendant or the turquoise of a pair of earrings can remain just as vibrant for many years.
There is one important consideration, however: although enamel is durable in colour, it is also glass and can chip if knocked or dropped. With a little care, it is a wonderful way to enjoy lasting colour in your jewellery.
Why enamel works so beautifully in coastal jewellery
The sea is rarely just one shade of blue. Its colours shift from pale turquoise over sand to deep blue over darker water, with hints of green, grey and white where the light catches the surface.
Gemstones offer their own distinctive beauty, with colour, depth and sparkle. Enamel provides something different: the opportunity to introduce smooth areas of vibrant colour within the outline of a design.
This makes it particularly well suited to coastal jewellery. A wave can be brought to life in different shades of blue, while a sea-inspired motif can capture the colours and character of the Cornish coastline in a small but striking piece.
The Glas Mor collection celebrates this connection between colour and place, combining sterling silver with glass enamel in designs inspired by the sea.
How does enamel wear over time?
Enamel is designed to last, but understanding its properties will help you choose a piece that suits your lifestyle.
Pay attention to the edges. The point where the glass meets the metal can be particularly vulnerable to knocks. A protective silver border around the enamel helps reduce the risk of chipping. When choosing a piece, look at how the enamel sits within the metal setting.
Consider where you will wear it. Pendants and earrings generally experience fewer knocks than rings, making them excellent choices for enamel jewellery. Rings are more exposed to everyday impacts from door handles, keys and other hard surfaces. If you choose an enamel ring, a design with a recessed panel offers better protection than one where the enamel projects above the metal.
Avoid sudden temperature changes. Glass can crack when exposed to extreme or sudden temperature changes. It is best to keep enamel jewellery away from very hot surfaces, intense heat and abrupt changes in temperature.
Understand the difference between enamel and resin. The word enamel is sometimes used loosely in jewellery descriptions. Traditional vitreous enamel is glass that has been fired onto metal. Resin and epoxy finishes can also provide attractive colours, but they are different materials with different properties. If the material is important to you, check the product description or ask the seller for clarification.
How to care for enamel jewellery
The Glas Mor collection combines glass enamel with sterling silver, so it is important to care for both materials appropriately.
Clean gently. Use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid and a soft cloth. A very soft brush can help reach awkward areas, but take care around the enamel.
Rinse and dry thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the edges where the silver meets the glass, as moisture can collect in these areas.
Avoid abrasive products. Silver polishing cloths and abrasive cleaners may be unsuitable for the enamel surface. Clean the glass gently with a soft cloth rather than rubbing it with metal polish.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. The vibrations may damage enamel, particularly if the glass is already chipped or under stress.
Do not use silver dip on the piece. Chemical silver cleaners may be unsuitable for enamel jewellery and can affect the finish or reach areas that are difficult to rinse thoroughly.
Store it carefully. Keep enamel jewellery separate from harder pieces to reduce the risk of scratches and accidental knocks.
Seek advice if it chips. If the enamel becomes damaged, stop wearing the piece until you have assessed the damage. A jeweller may be able to advise on repair, although the options depend on the design and extent of the damage.
With gentle cleaning and sensible storage, enamel jewellery can retain its colour and beauty for many years.
Discover the Glas Mor collection
The Glas Mor collection brings together sterling silver and coloured glass enamel in designs inspired by the sea and the Cornish coast. Each piece is handmade in Penzance, Cornwall, with the enamel applied by hand and kiln fired to create its distinctive colours.
We stock the full collection at Sennen Jewellery, with designs to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you are looking for a special gift, a reminder of the coast or a piece of jewellery to wear every day, the collection offers a lovely way to enjoy the colours of the sea.
Choosing the right Cornish enamel jewellery
When choosing Cornish enamel jewellery, consider two things: the design and how you intend to wear it.
Look at how well the enamel is protected by the surrounding silver, and think about whether the piece will be exposed to frequent knocks. Pendants and earrings are often practical choices for everyday enjoyment, while rings benefit from a little extra care.
Then comes the most enjoyable part: choosing your favourite colour and design. Enamel offers a wonderful combination of lasting colour and artistic detail, making it a distinctive choice for anyone who loves the sea and the character of the Cornish coast.
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