Have you ever been in a building and been amazed at the glasswork on display? Glass has been around in décor for ages. While plastic or metal is great for many reasons, glass has its own unique vibe that can cause a stunning affect in whatever room you enter.
It’s a curious fact – GLASS IS ANCIENT
Pliny, and ancient Roman historian, suggested that glass was first made in the region of Syria around 5000BC by Phoenician merchants. According to the archaeological evidence, however, the first man-made glass was in Eastern Mesopotamia and Egypt around 3500BC. Glass vessels first made their appearance about 1500BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Following, the blowpipe was invented in the 1st century BC, by Syrian craftsmen. This revolutionary discovery made glass production easier, faster, and cheaper. Glass production began to flourish among the Roman Empire and quickly dispersed anywhere from Italy to the countries under its rule.
Roman bowl, 1st Century CE
When we start throwing out ancient history, it makes glass a little more antique doesn’t it? So what else is there to know about glass?
IT’S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Glass has survived millennia due to several unique characteristics. 100% natural, not many materials have this one up their sleeve anymore. Being made from the combination of sand, soda ash, and limestone makes the combination of materials extremely unique. Continuing its immaculate design, it is a material that does not react with the food and drink it carries. It also doesn’t react with the skin when worn as jewelry. (A large benefit considering many often have an allergy to fake jewelry.) Most importantly, it is 100% recyclable! It can be melted down to produce more glass products. Due to its natural composition and inability to decompose, it does not leach harmful materials into the environment, even when outside of the normal recycling stream.
Dale Chihuly installation
This brings me to my next point:
IT WILL LAST FOREVER
Well, nearly forever. Glass is extremely durable, though it is a bit brittle. Early glass-making cultures have left behind many examples of different glass fragments. While the finished product is brittle, the inside of the kiln provides a special thermal treatment that significantly improves the strength and stability of the glass. This cause it to exhibit significant durability under most conditions. Because of the slow erosion process on glass, it can typically withstand the effects of water as well. Along with these factors, it is also more resistant to chemical attacks and corrosion compared to other materials.
Glass pendant, 5th century B.C.
ITS COLORS WILL NEVER FADE OR CHANGE WITH TIME
Have you had a piece of jewelry or décor that began to fade over time?
Elizabeth Lyons Big Jars collection
Color in glass is obtained by addition of metals, oxides, and minerals that are homogeneously distributed within the whole material. These colors are not paints or other surface coloring and will not fade over time, just as those ancient artefacts that kept their original colors through the ages.
GLASS IS BEAUTIFUL
Who can argue against the beauty glass possesses? There are even a number of plastic artifacts made to imitate the look of glass. This goes to show just how stunning it is! From transparent to opaque, from glossy to frosty, no matter what color or finish your glass object is, it is bound to bring beauty and awe to whatever room you place it in. Just take a look at this sculpture by Randy Strong, an amazing work of art!
