Dichroic Glass Designs

Master artist in Dichroic glass, Anna from Aesthetic Designs, whom I met several years ago at the “Big One Holiday Show” here in San Antonio. The jewelry pieces are so unique I have bought several for my personal jewelry collection. Her glass designs are truly breath-taking and never the same, as she pushes the limits of glass designs! She offers both individual sets with a simple matching chain in silver or gold and also beaded works of art. Visit her website Aesthetic Designs for a look into her world and browse her collection available for purchase.

So what is dichroic glass exactly? A little insight into fused glass…..Fuse layers of specialty Dichroic glass at high temperatures in a kiln and what do you get. Truly one-of-a-kind glass pieces of jewelry! As defined by Wikipedia, Dichroic glass is glass containing multiple micro-layers of metal oxides which give the glass Dichroic optical properties. A little known fact….It was originally developed by NASA and its contractors for use in satellite optics and spacesuit visors.
The word Dichroic is derived from two Greek roots; ‘di’ for two and ‘chroma’ for color. So Dichroic really means ‘two-colored’. Looking at the layers and layers of glass, it is hard to tell just how many colors are actually created.

The fun aspect with Dichroic glass is that it has different color variations depending on the light refraction; creating some of the most intriguing pieces of jewelry.

This design to the left, I've incorporated several pieces into jewelry designs such as this one with Black Onyx, Swarvoski crystals and brass wire links with matching earrings.

And this one to the right, has a red pendant hung from Black Onyx, peridot, sterling silver and matching black Onyx earrings.

Or these jewels of dichroic glass pendants below paired with sterling silver and Swarvoski crystals.

I have several pendants in my collection that I wear on sterling silver collars, omegas, and black cords. Accented with either matching earrings or a pair of my favorite sterling silver earrings. Add some to your collection for a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece to wear!

Visit our website as we keep adding more in a selection of dichoric designs in necklaces and bracelets.

Tiger Iron, the Mystery

Tiger Iron is a misunderstood gemstone and often mistaken for Tiger’s Eye, with it’s hues of blackish blue, golden yellow and deep red. However, Tiger Iron is composed of 2 billon year old sedimentary deposits comprised of three other gemstones; tiger’s eye, red jasper and black hematite. The rippled wavy bands of color often resemble beautiful scenic views, giving luster hue effects in the polished gemstones.

Tiger Iron in its own right is an actual gemstone with its own properties, but is a combination of other stones as well; ultimately it is a member of the quartz family. It has been mined in such places as England, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and even the Lake Superior Region of the United States.

One such form of tiger iron is Marra Mamba, found in one are of Australia near Mount Brockman. It is very rare type of tiger iron and contains shades of red, green, yellow, and blue. The area has been mined out for many years so very little of the ‘true’ Marra Mamba is available today.

Physical Properties
As a banded mineral composed of tiger eye, red jasper and hematite, tiger iron stimulates the vitality and enhances the immune systems. It strengthens force of will and courage and can be quickly utilized as a protective shield. This is an especially strong stone, which brings to mind the saying "Be careful what you wish for".

Healing Properties
Tiger Iron is considered an important healing gemstone as it combines the healing properties of Hematite (pain), Red Jasper (heart/circulation) and Tiger Eye, which stimulates energy production. In addition, it is considered a stable healing stone, which rarely needs cleansing.

In this design I have paired the three colors of red, blue, yellow/gold together. I then accented the necklace by wire wrapping each stone in non-tarnish gold wire. The earrings dangle with the same matching pieces and wire wrap.

Visit our website to see this and many other exotic designs.

Red & Black Mix of Style

A bold and beautiful mix are the creation of this lovely necklace set. Made from all natural gemstone beads in Black Onyx and Red Coral; mixed with a hint of glass seedbeads and 3 large wired link charms. The red Coral accented by pewter end caps and the necklace has a silver toggle. A matching pair of earrings completes this lovely set.

It is currently available for purchase in the Necklace Sets section of my website. Please visit us for more custom jewelry designs!