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Fairy Godmother sure knew how to spell class when she whipped up those glass slippers for Cinderella. Glass jewelry is delicate and sophisticated, enough to catch the attention of any Prince Charming. But we don’t need to search for a Fairy Godmother to get our hands on these works of art. These days, glass jewelry is more accessible and affordable. Well maybe not glass slippers — who wants to kill her feet with those anyway – but beautiful bracelets, earrings and pendants to adorn us nonetheless.
The History of Glass Jewelry
Glass jewelry has a running history of approximately 3,500 years. During ancient times, they were used mainly as ear plugs and ear weights. These kinds of ornament are said to be first developed in Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, Mesoamerica, and North America.
While one of the first written records of glassmaking stated that glass jewelry was fashioned from campfire, studies show that methods vary per region. The fact that glass jewelry has been used since ancient times, however, shows how valuable this art form is. For many ages, glass jewelry remains a symbol of class and good taste.
How Glass Jewelry is Made Today
Glass jewelry is handmade. Making a piece takes a considerable amount of time and effort, at the very least. There are two ways to create glass jewelry. One is called “lampwork”, while the other is called “fused”.
In lampwork, narrow glass rods are melted using a flame torch. After they are melted, they are carefully wrapped around a stainless steel shaft, shaping the now molten glass along the way. The finished product is then annealed to remove internal stress, otherwise deformation would occur. Finally, the product is cooled according to its size.
Fused glass on the other hand uses glass sheets. They are first stacked together and placed in a kiln to be heated until they bond together. After this, the product is cooled and designed for use.
Where to Buy Glass Jewelry
Glass jewelry is available in many jewelry stores online. They come in the form of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and even brooches. Prices range from as low as $12 to up to $400, depending on the quality and the other types of material the glass is used with.
While specific stores in shopping malls are harder to find, online shops might lead you to good places with even better deals. Glass jewelry artists often make their own sites to showcase their artwork, while making a profit from it as well.
Proper Care for Glass Jewelry
Caring for your glass jewelry needs as much care as your other accessories. Since it is made of glass, dropping your glass accessory might cause it to break. You should also keep it away from abrasives that might scratch the glass. When not in use, keep your accessory in separate zip lock bags. You can also clean your glass jewelry using a simple swab of cotton and alcohol.
From then until now, glass jewelry continues to be valued and treasured. Whether it’s for yourself or for somebody else, the right choice glass jewelry can help anyone feel like Cinderella — ready for a grand ball, and to capture her prince. And no, she doesn’t need fairy godmother to do the works.
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