Sep
Roman glass is ancient and very meticulous to care for. This article describes tips on how to properly care for your Roman glass jewelry.
Keyword(s): Primary Keyword: Roman glass; Secondary Keyword: what is Roman glass, ancient Roman glass, Roman jewelry, glass jewelry, ancient Rome glass
The Roman Empire introduced several innovations that are now standard practices in our modern society—from roads to concrete, the modern calendar system, and various laws. Some even speculate that the Romans introduced cats to the British Isles.
However, one of the lesser-known but remarkably beautiful accomplishments of the Roman Empire was the creation of Roman glass. You might have heard of Roman glass before, but what is it? How does it stand apart from other types of glass, and why should you care?
Believe it or not, Roman glass is a captivating material with a rich history. It’s not just another pretty artifact, although its beauty is undeniable. Continue reading to discover more.
A Brief History of Glass in the Ancient Mediterranean
Glassmaking is estimated to be at least 4,000 years old. The earliest glass production is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq, parts of Syria, Iran, and Turkey).
Some Roman writers claim that the Phoenicians brought glass to Rome, but ancient writers were often inaccurate. For instance, Virgil claimed Rome was founded by the last Trojan survivor of the Trojan War. The problem with this is that the Trojan War ended in the 1100s BCE, whereas Rome was founded in the 700s BCE.
According to one tale, Phoenicians discovered glass while cooking on the beach. However, this story is not credible, as a campfire cannot reach the temperatures necessary for glassmaking.
Regardless, we do know that glassmaking reached Egypt, evidenced by the discovery of a roughly 3,500-year-old glass furnace there.
Fast-forward to Ancient Rome, where the craft of glassmaking evolved significantly. Before the advent of glass blowing, which is when ‘Roman glass’ came to be, Romans often modeled their glass after Greek designs.
The key difference is that Greek glassmakers primarily used various metals in their jewelry, whereas the discovery of glass blowing allowed for the increased use of glass and precious stones.
A Brief History of Roman Glass
Fundamentally, Roman glass is not vastly different from other types of glass. It was made in a similar manner but on a much larger scale.
What truly makes Roman glass attractive to modern buyers is its age. Most Roman glass dates back to the first century or earlier. A significant amount of it is found in excavation sites around Israel.
The abundance of sand in Israel made it an ideal location for glass production for the Roman Empire. Many of the remaining intact glass artifacts are owned by the Israeli government, often studied or displayed in museums.
Glass in the Ancient Roman World
This type of glass became a status symbol and a symbol of wealth, catching on like wildfire. Initially, the knowledge of glassmaking was restricted to specialized artisans catering to the rich. This changed with the discovery and widespread adoption of glass blowing.
The widespread popularity of Roman glass is evidenced by its samples being found as far east as Japan, dating back to perhaps a century before the Roman Empire’s fall.
However, age isn’t the sole factor that makes Roman glass unique. Burial for nearly two millennia has altered it in fascinating ways.
Roman Glass and Patinas
Like bronze or copper, Roman glass develops a patina as it ages. You may have seen an ancient sword or bronze vessel in a museum with a greenish hue. This is patina, a natural result of aging and oxidizing.
Patinas can increase an object’s value, not only because they are aesthetically pleasing but also because they signify age, confirming the object as an antique. The Statue of Liberty is a prime example of the beauty patina can bring; originally bronze, Lady Liberty turned green over time.
Patina may partially explain why Roman glass appears in so many colors. The following section will delve into how Roman glass gets its coloring.
Regardless, the unique and natural beauty of patina cannot be replicated.
Reactivity
The beautiful patina is not the only reason Roman glass is prized. It also has a chameleon-like effect, changing colors based on exposure to different elements.
The glass can change color in response to light, sweat, and even air. This is how Romans originally colored the glass.
Different metals give off unique colors when burned. In modern days, this process is used to make fireworks, but in ancient Rome, it was used to color glass.
By exposing the glass to different metals during the creation process, Romans could tint it various colors. They may have borrowed this idea from their neighbors.
The Egyptians were known for creating artificial colors, adding them to many goods. This new color became so famous in the Mediterranean that it is now known as Egyptian blue.
Proper Care
Roman glass is as fragile as it is exquisite. The primary concern isn’t just the potential breakage of the glass, but rather the damage to its colors.
As previously mentioned, the distinctive colors emerged over centuries due to chemical reactions, rendering them particularly susceptible to damage.
Fortunately, many jewelry manufacturers have recognized this issue. Nowadays, they often protect Roman glass with a thin, transparent layer of regular glass to prevent damage.
Yet, not all pieces come with this protection. Thankfully, there are methods to preserve the colors, primarily by considering how and where you store and handle the jewelry.
Chemical exposure can harm this glass. Surprisingly, one such chemical source is our own hands. Our bodies secrete oils to keep our skin moisturized, which can damage delicate items like Roman glass.
It’s important to avoid any household chemicals, including hairspray and aerosols, near this glass.
Water or any liquid can also be harmful. It’s essential to keep the glass dry, as liquids can destroy the patina, making it an ordinary piece of glass.
Roman Glass Jewelry and Its Origins
Numerous Roman glass pieces exist worldwide, and a complete cup, dish, or other object can often sell for thousands. For those of us without thousands to spend on decorations, jewelry is a more accessible option.
This jewelry is typically crafted from fragments. Given its two-thousand-year-old history, finding shards is more common than locating full pieces.
This process benefits the customer, as the shards are technically owned by the Israeli government. Since the government prioritizes complete pieces, the shards are given to licensed antiquities dealers, who then supply them to jewelry makers.
This regulated process ensures that sellers of this type of jewelry are likely to be reputable.
Caring for Roman Glass Jewelry
Despite its delicate nature, it is possible to maintain this special jewelry in good condition.
It’s important to note that Roman glass itself should not, or rather cannot, be cleaned. Given its fragility, jewelers typically use it as the centerpiece in gold or silver settings.
The silver or gold components of the jewelry should be polished regularly using specific types of cloth.
Cleaning cloths designed for jewelry polishing are available from certain companies, and are intended to prevent oxidation of the gold or silver.
These polishing cloths can be found in jewelry stores and many department stores. If unavailable, a microfiber cloth can be a suitable alternative.
Avoid using tissues or paper towels as substitutes, as they may scratch certain metals.
Handle with Care
Roman glass jewelry is not only susceptible to chemical damage but also to physical breakage. As with most glass, it can easily shatter, making careful handling essential.
Even during cleaning, excessive pressure can cause breakage. If an accidental impact occurs, like dropping it on a table or the sidewalk, inspect it immediately for damage.
If a piece cracks or breaks, it is usually irreparable, emphasizing the need for caution.
Designs and Styles
Due to their ancient origins, Roman glass is often used in various religious jewelry items, including crosses, menorahs, and Messianic symbols.
Typically, this Middle Eastern material serves as a background or inset, likely because reshaping it is nearly impossible today.
However, for those less inclined towards religious themes, there are numerous other designs that beautifully complement this unique material. Whether in teardrop, circular, or heart shapes, there’s something available for everyone in our collection.
Roman glass also makes a great conversation starter and a valuable keepsake to pass down.
The Legacy of an Empire
The Roman Empire lives on through its numerous innovations, including its stunning glass.
The exact timeline of glassmaking in Rome is unclear, but Roman glass as we know it today became prominent with the advent of glass blowing.
Its beauty and colorful variety allowed it to spread from Rome throughout the ancient world.
Today, much of this captivating glass is found in parts of Israel and often features in religious jewelry.
However, it’s not just for the religious; many people wear it as a fashion statement.
Due to its fragility, Roman glass should be handled with great care.
If you have any queries or wish to acquire some of this beautiful jewelry, don’t hesitate to contact us. For further assurance, feel free to browse through our nearly 900 reviews.
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