Dichroic Glass has come a long way since the 1950s and 1960s when NASA first started using it for their satellite mirrors, and an even longer time since the Egyptians and Mesopotamians were using regular glass for jewelry and other items such as decorative tiles and bowls in 4500 BC and 3000 BC. The process of Dichroic Glass jewelry can be incredibly confusing and very scientific, but to actually see these pieces in hand makes it all worth while. This kind of glass contains multiple layers of different oxides; silver, titanium, chromium, aluminum, zirconium, magnesium, and silicon. This is done through a vacuum process. When its fired the heat changes the coloring of the glass.
The word Dichroic actually comes from two Greek root words, Di meaning two and Chroma meaning color. So Dichroic literally means "two colored" of course now a days this translation isn't exactly true since these handcrafted pieces are all unique in color, ranging from one or two colors on up to dozens and dozens of colors. Its really amazing when you take a look at some of these pieces of infused glass, some of the colors are just incredible. And some of the designs on the glass actually looks like it was drawn or painted on. Its not however, that's just the type of designs that come to pass when heating up the glass.
These pieces of glass can be made into almost anything including rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings and a lot more, and that's just the jewelry side of things. I just recently learned that this glass can also be fused into other things besides jewelry, you can also buy wall decor, photo frame holders and wall hangings.
This is a really interesting thing to check up on the next time your looking for a really unique gift to get someone, for any occasion. This sort of work takes a certain sort of person. Obviously not just anyone can do this and actually turn out some beautiful pieces of work as the ones Ive seen unless they have some experience with it. This is why I think these pieces would be a nice gift for anyone in your life, because not only is it a nice gift, but also because of the passion and love it takes to make something as beautiful and unique as this.
This would probably be a pretty cool process to watch, if someone actually got the chance to see how this stuff is made in person or even got to try it out on their own. It seems like its sort of the same type of process as glass blowing, which is another one of those "arts" that is just absolutely fantastic. If you really are interested in seeing how this is made, I did find a few videos on YouTube, Myspace and some other places. Its not the same as seeing it up close and personal, but if your really curious you'll go and have a look! I have yet to find any places that sell this jewelry in my home town, but I did happen to find a store a few months back in a town a few hours from mine, that sold only this sort of art. So who knows maybe you have someone in your location that knows how to do this kind of stuff!
New advances in the development of materials are constantly affecting the fashion industry, for example new or evolved fibres lead to improved fire and crease resistance of fabrics. These developments often allow for the creation of ever more stunning and impressive designs and this is true of Dichroic glass and contemporary jewellery. Dichroic coatings (pronounced di-crow-ic) are in fact no new technology, they were developed in Germany over 100 years ago and have since been used for applications ranging from the diagnosing of certain diseases to use in heat seeking missiles. Dichroic glass was originally developed for use in the U.S aerospace industry but today we see it in a much more artistic light as it revolutionises designer glass jewellery. The process of creating Dichroic glass involves the accurate depositing of layers of quartz crystals and metal oxides such as titanium, silicon and magnesium on to clear glass. Dichroism is literally an optical effect that is observed in certain materials in which two different colours are seen when viewed from different directions. In Dichroic glass one colour is seen when light reflects off the crystalline surface and with a change in angle a second colour is viewed as the light passes through the glass. The additional process of fusing the glass together at high temperatures “melts" the glass and further alters its colour and character. Completed Dichroic glass therefore has a hidden depth of ever changing colour that is reminiscent of elements in nature such as dragonfly wings and peacock feathers. Handmade Dichroic glass jewellery is an extremely skilled art form which, when done well achieves beautiful and stunning results. The design possibilities are limitless in all areas; colour, shape, pattern, texture etc and with a creative designer tremendously unique and interesting pieces can be produced. It is a contemporary medium for jewellery which can be adapted for both everyday wear and for striking special occasion pieces that dance in the light like diamonds but without the enormous price tags. The best part about handmade Dichroic glass jewellery is that each item is individually crafted and so has its own unique quality and character for it is impossible to recreate the same piece twice.
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Konrad Braun has sinced written about articles on various topics from Advertising Guide, Property Agents and Search Engine Marketing. This author is the proud owner of . Feel free to distribute this article in any way or form as long as you include this resource box.. Konrad Braun's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
Helen Fisher has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Business, Legal Matters and Jewelry. Helen is greatly interested in art and design and loves to explore new materials and techniques to create unique and original designs. She is the owner of a handcrafted gift shop selling stunning jewellery and accessories find it here:. Helen Fisher's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.