Our Cloisonné Bangle Inspiration

When you pick up one of our cloisonné bangles, you’re holding something that connects modern style with centuries of craft tradition.

A Journey Across Time

Cloisonné is an age‑old technique - its roots stretch back to Egypt around 1800 BC, where artisans inlaid gemstones in metal. Over time, glass replaced gemstones, and by the Middle Ages, the Byzantines had perfected fine-wire enamel work.

This art way travelled to China along trade routes like the Silk Road. The first Chinese examples appear during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), with more confident, large-scale pieces emerging in the early Ming under Emperor Xuande (1426–1435).

Finding Its Own Voice in China

At first, cloisonné was viewed as a flashy novelty- fit for temples or palaces, but not everyday life. Still, by the reign of Jingtai (1450-456), blue-dominated enamel (“Jingtai blue” or “jingtailan”) became synonymous with high art. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, imperial workshops in places like Beijing and Guangzhou produced intricate vessels and decorative items that dazzled locals and visitors.

Once Western and Japanese collectors took notice, cloisonné designs spread across the world- winning awards at exhibitions and inspiring artists elsewhere.

From Palaces to Your Wrist

Traditionally, cloisonné appeared on large objects - vases, incense burners, or elaborate temple pieces. Today, we’ve adapted the technique into smaller, wearable forms. Tiny metal partitions are soldered or adhered onto a metal base, enamel is added and fired, then polished and often gilded.

What once was fit for a royal altar now wraps around your wrist. And that feels pretty special.

We work with expert jewellery manufacturers in China to create these pieces, respecting the origins of the technique while infusing it with our own maximalist state of mind.