Molten glass in jewelry responds to the name of “vitrofusion”, which is the technique of melting and superimposing one or more pieces of glass using the heat of the oven at high temperatures. Vitrofusion can be made with the contribution of diverse pigments of colors, enameled paintings, milled glass, threads of glass and metals.
Today, this technique is very widespread and used in jewelry; however, its exploitation is not on a large scale yet, this is because it is commonly considered that the glass does not have the same value as a jewel does. By means of vitrofusion, beautiful pieces and accessories are made, such as earrings, charms, necklaces, bracelets and rings. The great advantage of this technique is that the material can adopt the color and design that we prefer without altering the quality of the glass.
The pieces made with this technique merit extreme care, because being molten glass, they can break, chip or damage their protective enamel very easily. With the boom of Murano art in its combination with surgical steel, vitrofusion pieces have taken a new place in jewelry, as it will not only be used for the design of charms or large pieces. Its presentation varies from beads, scales, thor, mica and glass threads; each one providing a beauty and particularity to the world of style.
- Beads: Commonly used in embroidery, bracelets and necklaces. At the time of purchase, we must be very careful as there are also acrylic beads and they are the most sold in haberdashery.
- Scales: These are thin plates of colored glass, which can be used in the piece of jewelry to seal or protect clothing.
- Thor: This is perhaps the most elegant and most careful presentation in vitrofusion, because it is glass powder in metallic colors which is added in the jewels to give it an appearance of delicacy and originality.
- Mica: This presentation is very similar to the scales’, only which it is presented in metallic tones and bubbles.
- Glass threads: They are used to draw straight or curved lines in the jewel. In the case of curved lines, these are generated by heating a candle and gradually molding the thread.
Although today this is not the best known technique and used in jewelry, there is no doubt that soon it will be positioned as one of the favorites, since it can offer versatility and distinction to who wears it. Those who use pieces made of molten glass, are sending a message that they are careful, sensitive people who care about what happens to the world and the environment. Remember that glass is a recyclable material, which allows us to do our bit for the welfare of our planet, and also always to wear a sustainable jewelry.
ALFA