Book excerpt: Enamelling - the fusion of glass on metal - provides opportunities for amazing effects, colours and styles of jewellery. In this book, Ruth Ball outlines each of the main enamel techniques in step-by-step detail and gives an insight into the variety of modern methods available for exploration. Contents include: the fundamental preparations, enamel characteristics and types; designing, constructing, firing and finishing enamel; cloissoné; engraving and etching; painted enamel; and various additional techniques, methods and effects. The gallery showcases work from over 30 international contemporary enamellists, and there is also a 'troubleshooting' section to help readers identify, remedy and repair any problems they may encounter along the way. This is an extremely practical, accessible and user-friendly handbook, packed with useful information, advice and clearly illustrated, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.