Why does uranium glass jewelry matter?
Uranium glass collecting is a niche hobby, but a very popular one with millions of collectors all over the world. It also appeals to oddity and curiosity collectors. Many like it simply for its brilliant blacklight glow.
For jewelry collectors and enthusiasts, uranium glass jewelry is appealing because the uranium content produces brilliant, beautiful colors that look absolutely fabulous in natural light and sunlight.
Most importantly, the history of uranium glass jewelry is beautiful and wildly fascinating. It's also a fairly new area of interest in regards to jewelry collecting. Stay tuned for my book all about the history of uranium glass jewelry!
1920s Egyptian Revival plique-à-jour pharaoh pin
Vintage Mardi Gras beads made in Czechoslovakia
Before the 1960s, beads thrown at Mardi Gras parades were made of glass
Spanish cloak pin c.1908 featuring silver-enameled uranium glass
Found in Barcelona
Vintage 1930s art deco uranium glass necklaces
Solid silver and niello woman's wedding belt. Dated 1860s, it was worn by the Laks or Azeri people of Azerbaijan. It would have been on a belt made of coins, with coins dangling from the bottom hooks.
Brusel Czech pressed glass brooches.This style of brooch is know as "Brusel" because they were unveiled at an exhibition in Brussels in 1958. They were an instant success and were produced until the 1960s
Victorian custard glass hand brooch c.1890s
Bohemian-made African trade beads c.1850s
Enormous sterling Native American-made ring
The uranium glass gem in this ring has hundreds of facets, and is the equivalent of about 100 carats
1970s-80s
Handmade lampwork bangles c.1920 Czechoslovakia meant for export to India as wedding bangles and to decorate Hindu shrines
1830s Georgian pinchbeck piece. Was converted to a velvet choker in the later Victorian era, but would have originally been on a mourning bracelet woven from human hair. One of the first pieces of uranium glass jewelry ever made.