Translated from the French, Champlevé means “raised field.” Champlevé is an enamel process where the surface to be enameled is carved, engraved, stamped or etched with a design prior to enameling. The powdered enamel is fired into the design highlighting it. Later processes involve cutting the metal away to leave thin walls similar to those used in cloisonné. With this technique, the cells are filled with enamel to the height of the cell walls and smoothed over.

 Some people advocate that the name champlevé is a terminological error and should be named chantlevé (from French: chant = edge).