How was it made? Guilloché enamelling | V&A

Guilloché is a highly decorative technique which has been used in metalwork since the 18th century to create intricate patterns – such as waves and ripples – and luminescent colours on a metal surface. Combining mechanical engraving and translucent enamels (coloured glass powder, fused to the metal with intense heat), guilloché can only be achieved with specialised machinery known as ornamental lathes. Watch as an engine turner and an enameller decorate a metal plate with the centuries-old enamelling process. 00:00 Sharpening the engraving tool 00:24 Preparing the metal plate 00:52 Engraving with the rose engine turning lathe 02:12 Preparing the engraved plate for enamelling 02:20 Grinding coloured glass to make enamel 03:18 Applying the enamel 03:35 Firing, smoothing and polishing 04:16 The finished piece Find out more about our enamels collection: