About dichroic glassThe definitive scientific explanation to this question can be found in great and very interesting detail in Jackie Paciello-Truty's book 'Dichroics - Art glass all dressed up', an invaluable book if you want to further your knowledge after a workshop. Unfortunately this book is now out of print, but we have found copies on the internet through www.amazon.com.
Dichroic means two colours, and this glass appears to be different colours when viewed from different angles or in varying degrees of illumination. Dichroic glass is made by depositing, in a vacuum chamber, many thin layers of exotic metal oxides (titanium, zirconium and others) on to either clear or black glass sheets. The coating itself is colourless but the process creates a mirror like finish that reflects a specific colour and transmits a different colour, causing a strong iridescent effect. The manufacturing process requires expensive 'space-technology' equipment and physicists to operate it. Have a look at the CBS web site for more details. It is an expensive process, but with dichroic glass, you only need to use a small amount for a huge effect!
Because of its chameleon qualities, it is very difficult to photograph, so we have done our best to describe each piece individually in detail. However, colour descriptions are very subjective - one person's purple is another person's mauve! So if your piece arrives and it really isn't anything like the colour you expected, let us know. If you are matching jewellery to fabric, for instance for a wedding or party dress, let us know in advance. I have had conversations over the telephone using a paint chart to match a necklace to a suit - and it worked! |
Caring for your jewelleryFused glass is extremely strong, but if dropped onto a hard surface it may chip or break - we suggest you put your jewellery on in a room with a soft floor covering!
The construction of the silver snake chains is such that they can become discoloured after long term wear, as silver is a metal which tarnishes easily. Perfume, oil from your skin and shower/bath products can all conspire to tarnish the metal in your jewellery (the glass part is unaffected by almost everything - except hydrofluoric acid). It is recommended that every so often you soak your snake chain (remove the pendant first) in warm water with washing up liquid or massage it gently in the palm of your hand - you will see the black deposit disappear. Allow to dry naturally and polish with a silver cloth (Goddards do a really good one) - this will keep your chain looking shiny and bright.
Some of our products are fixed with an industrial strength epoxy glue (some bails and stud earrings for instance). We have done a lot of research into this, and believe our gluing up process is currently as good as it gets. However, if you wear your earrings or jewellery constantly (because you love them so much!) in the bath or shower, over many months there is a small risk of glue failure due to constant immersion in water. In this event, please contact us and we will endeavour to repair the item for you for a small charge. |
