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Plique-a-Jour
Plique à jour (light of day) enamel is done in a way that is quite similar to cloisonné. Cells are created into which the enamel is melted. The difference is that the back is left open so that the effect of stained glass is acheived. This can be done in one of two ways. One can affix a backing on to the cloisonnes that the enamel will not stick to when fired. Sheets of mica are often used for this purpose. Alternately, a thin sheet of copper foil could be used and then later dissolved in acid after firing. Rene Lalique made cloisonnes by piercing solid sheets of metal with a saw. This technique made much sturdier and long lasting plique à jour jewelry.