Dichroic Glass Beads

Francesca Anatra
www.frozenfireglass.com

Editor's Note:  The color changes in dichroic glass are caused by the fact that the surface both refracts and reflects light when the surface moves.

 

"Dichroic" is defined as the property of having more than one color, especially when viewed from different angles. Dichroic glass is a high-tech spin-off of the space industry. Thin layers of metallic oxides, such as titanium, silicon, and magnesium are deposited upon the surface of the glass in a high temperature, vacuum furnace.

Dichroic glass was initially used in the medical field until artists began to see a beauty that would enhance plain glass.

Dichroic glass is used in many beads and most of the jewelry pieces Francesca makes. (All pieces shown here are hand made by Francesca.) The glass is inserted in a vacuum chamber and fused with metal oxides which give the glass the sparkly, iridescent look.

Because the fusing process is so lengthy, dichroic glass is somewhat costly, but the look is well worth the price.

Fused glass is an ancient process that was first developed by the Egyptians. It was a lost art for many centuries until it was revived in the early 1970's.

 

Each piece of art you see here and on Francesca's website has been hand cut, ground for a polished finish, and then fused in a kiln for several hours at temperatures ranging from 1325 - 1600 degrees. The glass must cool slowly so it does not crack. Some items have been fused several times to achieve a certain look or color.

All photos are pieces available from Francesca's website, http://www.frozenfireglass.com . Each piece is handmade by Francesca.

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