•• g l a s s p e a r l s
Before Mikimoto revolutionized the pearl market with the introduction of cultured pearls, glass pearls
were the only option for all but the most wealthy. Glass pearls known as "Roman pearls" were created
of hollow beads of blown glass lined with a pearlescent material - usually a derivative of fish scales - then
filled with wax to achieve an appropriate weight for its size. Wearers beware: the wax was known to
melt on necks of ladies standing too close to drawing room fires! Today glass pearls are readily available
from a variety of makers, including the Austrian crystal maker Swarovski and Czech glass makers.
Manufacturing process ensures terrific uniformity in size and range of sizes, but the chief
concern of glass pearls is durability. Since the pearl-like quality is achieved through a coating,
glass pearls can chip or dull with exposure and wear. However, given the economical price, it
is no great setback to simply buy another item and continue to enjoy the luminous appearance of
pearl that has coveted for centuries.
Love Gives Wings
South Seas
Resourceful
Exquisite
Leeward Islands
Ombre
Net
Rings
Open Cluster
Quartz
Fall
Mid-life Musings
