I have a commission to enamel some plique-a-jour dragonfly wings for a brooch. Thecustomer first wanted the metal structure to be made of white gold (someone else is doing this work - I just have to do the enamelling) but when I suggested that alloys in general were problematic except for enamelling gold, they suggested platinum. (These wings will also be set with diamonds).

My first wish would be an argument that they should be done in fine silver rather than either of these metals, but presuming that the customer will not be moved - what do you think my chances are of success? Acording to an article by Woodrow Carpenter in Glass on Metal, both of these metals can be enamelled on - but not with medium temperature, medium expansion enamels. The article suggests medium temperature, low expansion or high temperature, medium expansion (neither of which I have used before)

My first request to the jeweller will be a coupd of small grids I can make tests on. I am imagining that suspending the enamel in either of these metals will create other issues than enamelling ON them - but would be delighted if someone who is familiar with these metals could give me an idea of what I can expect...

I will post pics as I go along...