I need to enamel a red transparent on a champlevé piece made of 10k white gold. There is a 12% nickel in the alloy composition of the white gold. Can anyone help me with this? I intend to use lead bearing enamel either Soyer or old Thompson enamel. I have never enameled on white gold before, should I expect any specific complication because of the nickel concentration?
I also don’t know if I need to use a flux (clear enamel) before and if so, what should I use?

Thank you,

Gabrielle

I have put a call in to Tom Ellis at Thompson Enamel and I am waiting for him to get back to me- I am sorry you have not heard back from other goldsmiths as I did message them to see if they had an answer for you but perhaps they don't work in such a low karat.

I will let you know as soon as I hear something - its an interesting question.

Best regards,

Trish White

Hi Gabrielle,

The information I received from Tom Ellis is this: The limited knowledge they have with enameling with 14kt combined with nickel and copper produced many issues - the biggest being the gases released from the  alloys - nickel especially creates poor enamel quality and popping off.  Your dealing with more nickel  alloy then gold in 10kt gold -  18 Kt. and above is suggested.

For more detailed information you can order Thompson's Workbook - which details the Metals suitable for enameling and the results they have documented.

Thank you so much for your help Trish. I will take your advice and Tom's advice in consideration with my client. 

Take care, Gabrielle