Glass jewellery
In the beginning jewelry containing glass were most use for replacement or imitation of real jewelry. By the twentiest century artisian glass jewelry became a separate category. As I craft without using pure precious metal only, my glass jewelry are fashion jewelry (bijoux). Still, the unqiue handcrafting and precious metal (silver/rhodium/gold) plated findings make them fit on evening dress, not just as casual wear.
Stained glass jewelry (copperfoiling)
I choose the glass depending on the transparency/opacity and color requirements. I carefully cut the pieces, grind them and use copperfoil on the pieces. I also use twisted wire for decoration. Then I solder it, I exclusively use lead free solder for jewelry. For certain items I add some patina. Finally I polish and clean the item.
Fused glass jewelry (fusing)
I choose compatible glasses, which can be melt together without problems. I cut the pieces and carefully form the shape with multiple layers. For jewelry there are usually three layers: base, decoration (eg. millefiori, dichroic) and a transparent cover, which gives depth. Then I put it into my digitally programmable kiln. Melting in high temperature (around 1500°F) gives shine and smooth shape, the proper annealing gives durability. In certain cases there are three or even more fusing phases. For glueing glass to metal I carefully prepare the surfaces and use two component adhesive.
Muranian millefiori
I add millefiori bead(s) to pendants, rings and earrings, which is a tradional decorating piece from Venice/Murano (millefiori means thousand flowers).
Millefiori is a small glass decoration from Venice/Murano. These are small glass beads made by melting multiple glass together, expanding it into a long bar and cut into small pieces. The traditional muranian jewelry are usually large and have multiple flower pieces (millefiori=thousand flower). In contrast I usually use it in smaller glass jewelry usually with a single flower, star or circlic motive.
Dichroic glass jewelry
This modern and precious jewel glass has unparallel shine and vibrating colors. It can change color depending on viewing direction (dichroic means two colors). This is achieved by special processes: in vacuum, metal-oxids are being applied to a very thin layer of the glass. Lately I prefer using dichroic for most of my fused glass jewelry and sets.
Glass jewelry sets
The real challange is the crafting of a full jewelry collection. When I meet a beatiful glass, I don't stop at making a pendant, but create earrings, rings, and possibly bracelet and other accessories as well.
Glass accessories
Besides the usual jewelry categories, I like to craft various wearable accessories like clips, brooch, hairpin, cufflinks and tie clips. Sometimes I make fashion accessories like key chains, bag or cell phone charms. For custom orders I can also make other accessories as well (eg. buttons)
More information
The findings on all earrings and on most other jewelry are silver, rhodium or gold plated, so they are not allergenic. Rings are silver plated and have adjustable size.
Glass items should be best cleansed with soft textile. For restoring the silver edge of stained glass I recommend metal polisher. Small (fused) glass items are more durable than thought, but it is better to be cautious, because they can still broke if dropped on hard surface. Removing rings can be done by pulling the metal base, too much pressure on the glass cabochon might cause it to break off from the base.