Dichroic glass is particularly popular in glass jewelry making. 'Dichroic' literally translates as 'two-colored'. Dichroic glass has a transmitted color and a completely different reflective color; these two colors shift depending on the angle of view.
Dichroic glass, known for its ability to change color depending on the viewing angle, has a rich history spanning centuries, with roots in ancient Roman glassmaking and modern advancements driven by NASA.
The Lycurgus Cup, a Roman glass goblet, is a well-known example of early dichroic glass. When illuminated from behind, the cup appears red, while when lit from the front, it appears green.
NASA researchers developed techniques for creating dichroic glass as filters for spacecraft windows, protecting them from solar radiation and cosmic radiation. The development of dichroic glass by NASA and its contractors spurred artistic exploration, leading to its use in jewelry, sculptures, and architectural elements.
Dichroic glass is flashy and always attracted attention at shows. Here are some pendants that utilize dichroic glass.
