What does guilloche enamel look like?

Guilloche enamel has a repeating geometric or wavy pattern visible beneath a glossy, coloured glass coating. The underlying engraving catches the light and creates a sense of depth. Most examples use rich blue, red, or green transparent enamel over a silver or gold ground to highlight the engraved texture.

How should I care for my brooch?

Clean your piece gently using a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and skin oils from the metal and enamel surface. Avoid harsh chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged immersion in water. Store the item separately in a lined box to prevent the metal and stones from scratching the delicate glass enamel.

Are all mourning brooches black?

While black enamel is common in mourning jewellery, many pieces use deep blue or white enamel alongside seed pearls. Blue enamel often symbolised loyalty and memory in nineteenth-century sentiment. The inclusion of woven hair behind a glass panel or an engraved inscription on the reverse usually identifies the mourning purpose regardless of enamel colour.