Example #1

Example #2

 

Dichroic glass caught my attention when looking for beads in those humongous bead shows I used to go to in San Diego. The iridescence of the glass made it mesmerizing to view. I bought a few beads that were quite expensive, not knowing the process was such a lengthy one to make them.

A friend and I went to a bead shop in Ocean View that taught dichroic glass and they showed us how to make pendants in small kilns. It was fascinating. Apparently the dichroic glass  is very expensive. We mixed it with regular stained glass pieces. It took about an hour to heat in the kilns and another hour before we could touch it and work with it. I would love to try it again someday maybe in my own studio.

The last show I went to in Escondido, I bought several pendants to use that were already framed in silver. They cost about $25. each. He does not sell on the internet which is really too bad since I am now on the wrong coast to find him again.

Dichroic Fused Glass has more than one color, especially when viewed from different angles. It is made up of metals that fuse together during the baking process. It is very iridescent like beetles wings or butterfly wings or even oil on water. It seems to shimmer and shake when you move it.

Apparently the process has been around since the Egyptians.  Other examples can be found here.

The one necklace I have on view currently has a dichroic glass bead in the center. I have others I hope to get posted soon.

Chery