Cloisonne cremation urns and keepsakes all begin with a solid brass form. The design is then welded on using flexible copper wire. After the wire is attached, colorful enamel is placed in the spaces, similar to doing a paint by number. The enamel hardens as it dries and then the piece is fired, polished, and checked for any blemishes. The enamel helps create a scratch resistant coating on the surface and the enamel colors are eye-catching and vibrant. Each cloisonne urn and keepsake is a bonafide masterpiece. This ancient and traditional process was originally invented by the French but was subsequently mastered by artisans in one area of northern China.