Glass and crystal

Glass is one of the most versatile materials in jewelry: it is blown, fused, molded and cut into beads, cabochons and faceted stones. Crystal (glass with metal oxides, traditionally lead) refracts light better and gives a special sparkle; today many faceted crystal stones are made lead-free.

Properties #

• Composition: silica (sand) with fluxes and stabilizers; crystal adds metal oxides.
• Hardness: around 5-6 on the Mohs scale.
• Techniques: blowing, lampworking (torch), fusing, Murano glass and faceted cutting.
• Color: almost any, through metal oxides and colorants.
• Brittleness: it breaks with knocks and sudden temperature changes.

Uses in jewelry #

• Glass and lampwork beads for necklaces and bracelets.
• Crystal cabochons and faceted stones in settings.
• Handmade pieces in fused and blown glass.
• Gemstone imitations in costume jewelry.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• A huge variety of colors and shapes.
• Inexpensive and brilliant.
• It can be worked by hand.

Limitations #

• It is fragile.
• It scratches more than hard gemstones.
• It lacks the value of natural gems.

Care and cleaning #

• Avoid knocks and sudden temperature changes.
• Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a lint-free cloth.
• Store it apart from hard pieces that could scratch it.

See also #

• Enamel
• Resin
• Ceramics and porcelain