Murano Glass

Venetian and Murano Glass is highly sought after throughout the world and is a craft which has been closely guarded for centuries. Punishment was said to be harsh for anyone disclosing the skills and techniques used in this specialist craft. Handmade by skilled artisans in Venice and on the Venetian island of Murano, this beautiful coloured glass is created. Many hundreds of years ago the specialist glass industry was moved from Venice to the island of Murano due to the risk of fire from the furnaces of the glass industry, as many of the buildings were made of wood.

One of the many techniques used today is by wrapping multi layers of coloured molten glass around precious sterling silver or gold foils and moulding the piece in to the desired shape. The precious metal at the centre gives each individual piece it's own lustre and vibrancy. This is often refered to as the 'soul of the bead'. Our individually handmade Venetian and Murano Glass pieces of jewellery are authentic and sourced from Venice and Murano via our valued and trusted suppliers. Designs are then created for the silver jewellery around these vibrant and stunning glass beads and hearts.

Each piece is unique as they are each individually handmade therefore no two pieces are ever the same. Our genuine Murano and Venetian glass products are not to be confused with cheaper copies claiming to be Murano or Venetian glass. We will never compromise on quality and authenticity.  

Read more about Murano glass..  

Dichroic Glass

These gorgeous iridescent colours were first created by NASA technology in the use of their satellite optics and space exploration. Dichroic glass as we know it was achieved by applying very thin multi layers of metal oxide vapours onto glass in a vacuum chamber.

Today the technology is available to the artist community where their creativity knows no bounds. The play of light, mixed with the vibrancy of the colours within the glass gives any piece of jewellery added interest. The colours shift depending on the angle they are viewed from and the light reflecting in them, making Dichroic quite difficult to photograph accurately. However the vibrant and iridescent transmitted colour and light makes each piece unique and far more beautiful than the photo images can do justice. We love it!  

Lampwork Art Glass

Skilled and talented lampwork glass artists create the most beautiful glass beads in many textures and finishes. Each piece of glass or bead is a work of art in itself and pieces are sought after for their unusual characteristics and uniqueness. Glass artists work using a specially designed torch and a mandrel (rod) whereby they skillfully  melt and layer molten coloured glass around the mandrel to create the most stunning effects.

Each piece is individually handmade using either precious metals such as gold or silver foils or frits and powders to make fantastic beads. Each bead can be as simple or complicated as they wish with endless possibilities. Each bead is annealed in a kiln to give it strength and durability and then cooled to room temperature, cleaned and then polished.

Collectors and jewellery designers eagerly await the new designs of the best lampwork artists and their beads are quickly snapped up! There are some of the most talented glass artists designing and making glass beads which are used in our original pieces of jewellery. Creative artisans then make these amazing glass beads into unique and unusual bracelets, necklaces and earrings, some of which are exclusive to Just So Silver.     

Obsidian Volcanic Glass

Obsidian can be found anywhere in the world where volcanic activity has occurred. Obsidian is naturally occurring glass from lava that has cooled without crystal growth. Obsidian can be used as fine cutting blades or scalpels due to its molecular thinness. 

The predominant colours of obsidian are black, brown, dark grey or black with a grey snowflake pattern, (snowflake obsidian). Very few samples are nearly colourless or green. The way in which obsidian is cut or faceted can affect the shade or colour depth of the stone.

Obsidian is said to be a grounding stone but containing fiery elements. It is also said to sharpen the senses. In healing terms obsidian is said to protect against depression and it is also known as the stone of gentle, soft hearted people. 

In history, stone age people used obsidian like flint as it could be fractured to make sharp blades such as arrowheads. It was also polished to create early mirrors and decorative objects. Although lava glass, Obsidian is used as a gemstone in jewellery and also for ornamental purposes.

Glass jewellery can last a lifetime or longer but do take care not to drop it on hard surfaces as it is glass and it will behave like glass!