Enamel is essentially a composition of glass, coloured with mineral oxides. It is ground to a very fine grain size in water, then applied to the piece of silver and fired in a very hot kiln until the tiny grains fuse together to form a fairly smooth, shiny surface. Enamel colour is permanent and will not fade, it is however glass and has to be treated with some care.
Most enamels can be successfully repaired although this may require that the piece be re-fired in the kiln. Silver enamelled jewellery can be cleaned with a 'Goddard's Silver Cloth' or similar product. These can be purchased in most supermarkets. Avoid using liquid silver cleaner as this can affect the enamel
Small private workshops at my Edinburgh studio I offer smaller private workshops in my studio in Edinburgh by arrangement. Please email me for details.