The art of miniature painting on enamel (or "finift" as they frequently name it in Russia) -
one of the most interesting and bright kinds of miniature painting. The elite, exclusive character of miniatures on enamel is defined by high picturesque skill of the artist on enamel and extremely difficult process of their manufacturing.

All times the enamels were expensive and appreciated as level of jewels, which argued on color, transparency and shine. Enamels were property mainly of high society. For the centuries old history of the existence Russian enamel not only was saved (as against many other countries) but also has turned to a precious pearl of the world art.

The technique of art enamel with an employment of brush painting method. A thin plate of silver or copper or form made of these materials is covered with white enamel on both sides. On the obverse an outline of a composition and its details are painted with the enamel of intensified color. Then the firing is made and the inside of the outline is painted with enamels of different colors placed next to each other. The firing is repeated 10 to 15 times in view of different enamels used in the process. Russian painted enamels are characterized by the filing of an outline by means of hatching. In the shaded enamel technique color transparent or non-transparent enamels as well as colorless transparent enamel are used. The last is applied to the outline of a drawing before the last firing to protect the painting from damages.

The enamel technique became came from Europe to Russia. The Russian enamellists founded their workshops in the Moscow Armoury, Solvychegodsk and Great Ustug. Rostov jewelers learned to paint on enamel around this time too. At the first Rostov enamellists produced little icons, decorate richest settings of church books and different church plate. The subjects of the paintings were changed in the 19th century. Artists became fulfilled portrait miniature; copies of colored prints adapted them to the features of enamel painting.

Now Russian modern school of art enamel exists and successfully develops. Its representatives do not concede and frequently surpass the issued predecessors in Rostov of Jaroslavl region. Finift jewelry (earrings, rings, brooches, pendants, bracelets) are modern, beautiful and not-repeated.