I Love Dichroic Glass, But How is it Made?

Dichroic jewelry is quickly growing as one of the most popular forms of fashion. The dichro is often made into different types of pendants, earrings, and bracelets, but other forms of dichroic jewelry can be crafted into cufflinks, rings, tieclips, and even money-clips. Other forms of dichroic are commonly found in home décor, such as wall decorations, art pieces, glass sculptures, and have also been used as accent items in kitchens and bathrooms.

The most important thing to remember about dichroic glass is that the glass itself is not dichroic. The glass does not produce the colors; it is the 'coating' of micro-thin sheets of various oxides and quartz that are applied to the glass surface. This creates an 'interference filter' which acts to either reflect or transmit light depending on the oxides used, the thickness of the layers, and other such factors. Making dichroic glass is a four-step process.

First, the glass is cleaned thoroughly in a spotless environment which, depending on its eventual use, may take up to four cleansings to make the glass meet technical specifications. The tiniest bit of dirt, fingerprints or a spot of water can have an undesired effect on the glass.

Once the glass is cleaned, the second step takes place - the glass is placed in a kiln or a vacuum chamber which contains an electron gun and a crucible or container where the metal oxides are kept. Air is pumped out, compressing the pressure inside the chamber and at the proper time, the electron gun is activated, vaporizing the oxides. The vaporized oxides will condense and cling to any surface within the chamber - especially the glass.

Once the desired oxide thickness is achieved, the electron gun is turned off and a new oxide is positioned for use, if needed. The process is repeated until the desired thickness of the coating - or the planned color - is achieved.

Air is then slowly pumped back into the chamber, gradually cooling the fused glass, and bringing the pressure inside the chamber back to normal. The vacuum chamber is opened and the glass brought out, inspected, packed and shipped.

If you don't alread know, the best place to locate 90 & 96 COE dichroic glass for making dichroic jewelry, is the leading source of dichro - DichroicGlassPortal.com where you will find every color, pattern, and texture dichroic sheets, plus equipment, such as glass kilns and other tools.