At Atelier Solart, we contribute to the preservation and enhancement of natural resources. We use noble materials of mineral origin recognized for their durability for millennia. Our top quality eco-friendly creations are made from porcelain, enamels, metals and stones. We want to help you invest in eco-friendly presents.
We are proud to introduce you to the natural origins and properties of our main manufacturing materials.
Ceramic pastes and glazes
The ceramic bodies are mixtures of clays and mineral materials whose composition is studied to obtain particular properties. The firing temperature and the porosity of ceramic bodies determine their classification into 3 main families: learthenware,it's fine porcelain. Here is a description of the ceramic pastes and glazes we use:
Porcelain
The porcelain was created in China during the Tang Dynasty from a process of cooking two minerals: the feldspar and the kaolin. Currently, porcelain paste is made up of the raw materials kaolin, feldspar, quartz and clay. It is distinguished from other ceramic products by the coexistence of three technical characteristics, unique and fundamental: the hardness, the whiteness and the translucency. Porcelain has a high level of mechanical resistance, low porosity and high density, which gives it durability, harmlessness, softness, elegance and timelessness.
At Solart, we are proud to use porcelain prepared by Canadian companies. In addition, we recover and recycle all of our dry porcelain scraps during our workshop production. This in order to offer you ecological products turned directly from our own recycled ceramic paste.
Enamels or glazes
Les émaux appelés aussi communément glaçures sont des enduits vitrifiables composés d
Enamels, also commonly called glazes, are vitrifiable coatings composed of minerals or oxides mixed with water applied to the surface of a ceramic piece. They turn into a layer of glass when fused in a high temperature oven. Their functions are to increase the durability, to waterproof the shard and to decorate the ceramic pieces.
Although these mixtures have been known since antiquity, computer techniques and software are used today to formulate new glazes. It is undoubtedly to the Egyptians that we owe the first ceramic glazes. These alkaline glazes (based on salt) were then obtained by mixing salt or salt water with the clay of pottery. As it dried, the salts naturally rose to the surface of the object and became vitrified during cooking.
Depending on its composition, the glaze may be transparent or opaque, matte or shiny. The cohesion of the glaze and its ceramic support depends on the quality of the clay used and the firing temperature. Porcelains are the most resistant since their enamel layer, fused at high temperature, is completely bonded to the ceramic support. The development of colors and textures of ceramic glazes also depends on the oxidizing or reducing atmosphere of the firing chamber in which they are fused.
The enamels come from the mysterious alchemy of earth and fire. In this sense, the practice of the art of ceramics is comparable to an acceleration of the natural geological process. At Solart, we are proud to compose and prepare our own enamels based on water and natural minerals directly in the workshop.
Metals
The metals used in jewelry, silversmithing and art foundry can be precious or not, used pure or in alloys. Here is a description of the main metals we use:
Sterling silver
Like gold, silver is a precious metal that has been used as currency for centuries and serves as value for products and commodities. Quite ductile and particularly malleable, it is appreciated for its specific white luster. Sterling silver is a combination of silver (92.5%) and other metals (7.5%), usually copper. Pure silver is a very malleable material and therefore more at risk of being broken. Silver is then often combined with other metals to ensure better durability without affecting its quality and color. Given its hardness and durability, it is primarily sterling silver that is used in jewelry making. In addition, silver is a so-called "precious" metal that will retain its value. However, it remains very affordable compared to materials such as gold.
Bronze
First metal alloy created by man around -2000 BC. BC, bronze gave its name to a period of history. Used for the manufacture of tools, then that of weapons, armor and musical instruments, it is still very popular with sculptors. This alloy of copper and tin with a high copper content (most often greater than 80%), lends itself easily to shaping by foundry. Bronzes are known for their hardness, they have a very good resistance to wear and corrosion.
Gold
Gold is generally known as a yellow colored precious metal. In its pure state, it is soft and malleable. In jewelry, gold is used in the form of an alloy to make it more solid and facilitate its transformation. Gold is a noble and precious material because it does not oxidize or corrode. That is to say, it is very durable and withstands the elements; air, water, salt and most acids. Its rarity also makes it a popular material. From the end of prehistory, we find them in the form of ornaments. Available in small quantities, gold quickly became a coveted material and used as currency in Egypt and the Middle East. The different colors of yellow, pink and white gold are obtained by mixing gold with other metals to create alloys.
At Solart, we are proud to recover used metals as well as all of our scrap metal production. We prepare our own alloys directly in the workshop to offer you ecological products made from recycled metals.
The stones
Granite
Fossilized limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is formed by the accumulation of shells and skeletons of various organisms. Along with shale, it is one of the best fossil preservers. Over time, sedimentary rocks crowd around what were once living things to preserve the basic outlines of their appearance and physical characteristics. These are rocks that have kept fossil traces.
Gemstones
Stones used in jewelry and goldsmithing, also called gems, fall into 4 categories: precious stones, fine or semi-precious stones, hard or ornamental stones, and organic gems. In particular, we use several thousand-year-old natural stones from Canada such as labradorite, quartz, jade, jasper or ammolite...
At Solart, we prospect and collect stones and practice the art of lapidary cutting. We are proud to use ethically sourced stones mostly cut directly in our workshop.