Roman glass jewelry connects the ancient with the modern, for a look that is anything but "fast-fashion" jewelry. Here's how to accessorize with jewelry made from ancient Roman glass.
Keyword(s): roman glass
Do you share Elizabeth Taylor's love of jewelry?
Looking to build up your own jewelry collection and trying to find the classic, investment pieces that every woman needs to own?
Jewelry is one of the most popular items that women buy when they want to treat themselves, and with good reason!
It's elegant, fun, and an expression of yourself and your style!
In fact, by the time a woman reaches the age of 40, her personal jewelry collection is worth around $7,500.
Whether you're interested in adding a new statement piece to your collection, or if you're just trying to "drop hints" to the people in your life, you need to consider a roman glass piece.
But what exactly is roman glass jewelry, and what makes it so timeless and popular at the same time?
In this post, we're telling you everything you need to know about Roman Glass jewelry.
Deep Roots
If you've ever been to a museum, you likely know that Romans had a deep love of and appreciation for jewelry. In fact, this ancient civilization was the birthplace of Roman Glass.
Glass first became a household material because it was used to make vases, plates, jars, and other daily use items.
It was only a matter of time before the Romans began using glass to make jewelry!
Because glass could be produced on a mass scale, it was a very popular way to make jewelry in ancient times. It also made it possible for more "common" people to wear the same jewelry of the Emperors and other royalty.
Today, when you wear a piece of Roman glass jewelry, you're wearing a piece of history!
Many archeologists and amateur treasure hunters frequently find shards of Roman glass that are too small to be displayed in museums or used in another way.
So, they sell them to jewelers, who create stunning pieces out of the ancient shards!
This type of jewelry is most notably recognized by its vibrant and unique color schemes and shades. This is because it has been under the ground for so many years and has developed a gorgeous patina.
Jewelers also painstakingly clean and preserve other properties of the glass to make it sparkle and shine with a kaleidoscope of colors like no other jewelry material.
This jewelry is perfect for any woman who wants to own a piece of history with a story behind it. You never know who wore, drank from, or stored their perfume in what is now hanging around your neck!
Caring For Roman Glass Jewelry
Because of its special and unique history, you'll need to be careful when cleaning and storing your roman glass jewelry.
First, let's talk about what you should not do with these pieces.
Above all, never get this kind of jewelry wet. It's so easy to harm these delicate pieces, that even a few drops of water can be bad for them.
It can cause discoloration, and may even break down the glass. Remember, this jewelry is an antique - make sure you treat it accordingly.
Yes - you should even avoid getting it wet when you want to clean your piece (don't worry, we'll tell you how to properly clean your glass jewelry in a minute.)
Also, never...
- Shower with this jewelry
- Get into the pool with it on
- Stand in the heat for extended periods
- Wear it in especially humid climates
- Apply perfume, body lotion, and even hairspray while wearing it
One final note: we know it may be tempting, but do your best to avoid touching your glass jewelry with your fingers.
Why?
Because sometimes, even your body's natural oils and chemicals can harm the glass. Even if it doesn't actively harm the glass, it may change colors if handled too often.
So, how can you clean and take care of your roman glass pieces?
The safest way is to use a special jewelry polishing cloth to clean the silver setting and leave the glass untouched.
Avoid using a paper towel or other tissue to clean the glass, as these materials often have raised fibers that can harm it.
When polishing, we also suggest that you try hard not to come into actual contact with the glass itself.
We know - it sounds counter-intuitive.
Keep in mind, though, that if you polish the sterling silver settings around the glass, it's likely that the glass will appear much cleaner.
Storing Your Glass Pieces
Of course, to keep your jewelry looking good for as long as possible, you need to make sure you're storing it properly.
First, always make sure you unclasp any necklaces or bracelets before storing them.
We suggest putting them in a zip-closed plastic bag to prevent any extra air from getting in (bonus: this also helps to keep any silver settings from tarnishing!)
Also, don't store a pair of glass earrings in a single bag. Doing so can lead to scratches and perhaps even breakage.
Store your jewels in a cool and dry drawer.
Shop For A Piece Of History
Now, shards that were a part of ancient civilizations can have another life - thousands of years later.
Who knows what stories these pieces could tell if they could talk.
Bring them to life again.
We suggest pairing your roman glass jewelry with a simple yet elegant black dress, to really let the colors in the glass pop.
These pieces are perfect for any occasion and can be dressed up or down. Especially if you're making an investment in your jewelry collection, you want something with a sense of versatility.
We especially love pendants like this one, which you can string on any chain of your choice. It would look stunning over a black turtleneck with jeans.
We also love this elegant and detailed pendant, which you can wear with a gray or cobalt blue dress.
Looking for more jewelry ideas? Want to find a piece that's truly one-of-a-kind?
It's time to invest in a piece of Roman Glass jewelry.
Be sure to check out our incredible line of glass jewelry, in addition to the other gorgeous pieces we offer.
We have something for every woman, occasion, and style!
See the entire Roman Glass Collection here
