‘Cloisonné’ is a French word meaning ‘compartmentalised’, and this is exactly what happens when a cloisonné bead is made. Cloisonné beads are created by skilled artisans. The pains-taking process of making a good quality cloisonné bead can take up to four hours for each bead. The process involves the artisan creating and arranging dozens of tiny cells made from wire, across the surface of the bead, (this is the compartmentalising). Each cell is then filled with enamel colour, and then fired. After this process, each bead is polished, revealing intricate and beautiful designs.