Aqueous chemical routes and finished compositions of a core-shell particulate material for application in crystallizable glass enamel are disclosed. A composition of particles containing a shell of inorganic oxides or mixed-metal inorganic oxides and a core material of complex inorganic colored pigment, wherein the shell material is comprised of any single oxide or combination of oxides is taught. Preferred elements of composition for the shell are oxides and silicates of Ti, Ni, Zn, Al, Zr, Si, Sn, Bi, Na, K, and B. Core materials may be any material commonly classified as a complex inorganic colored pigment. The resulting particles function in glass enamel formulations as coloring agents and additives for partial crystallization of the glass material, and provide modification of glass melt temperature, durability, acid resistance, and other desirable properties.