Friday Findings: Digging that Dichro and Weekly Posh Mama Jewelry Giveaway

I've always been fascinated by the sparkle that seems to lurk deep inside a piece of dichroic glass. Something about how it reflects light is really intriguing--in a futuristic and spacey kind of way. And because of that, another story I am currently digging on is the story of how dichroic glass came to be.

The word dichroic means two colors (di=two, chroic=color), and manufacturing it as a material is a very expensive process. It was first developed in the late 1800s, but not perfected until the days of the NASA Space Race. It's made by taking super thin layers of glass and heating it in uber-high-temperature vacuums. Then, metal oxide additives are deposited onto the glass’ surface. I dig this story, because it was NASA who first incorporated the material into satellites and spacesuits.

Today, dichroic glass isn't just shot up into space. It has wonderfully girlie and decorative uses. So instead of donning a space suit, we gals can get that dichroic look by donning something less bulky, like this awesome jewelry. Today on Friday Findings, I've put together a great collection of unique pieces from glass artists who are attracted to the sparkle of dichroic glass too. So, without further ado, take a look at these pieces and be sure to leave a comment to let us know if you are now digging on dichroic glass too.

Passionate Heart Fused Pendant
Gloria Lynn Glass

This vibrant fused dichroic glass heart pendant features a stunning display of gold, yellow, green with a slight hint of pink dichroic. It measures 1 3/16" by 1 5/16" and comes on an 18K Gold Plated Bail. It can be worn on a slide necklace (purchased separately). Available from Gloria Lynn Glass in Illinois.

Red Iris Pendant
Hana Sakura Designs

This unique and beautiful floral pendant features rich red and light orange Iris Pendant is fused onto a background of light pink with Emerald green leaves . It measures 3/4" X 2-1/2" and comes on a Silver Bail. Available from Hana Sakura Designs in Michigan.

Campfire 'n Marshmallows
Flowing Glass Studios

A delicious delight in colors that remind us of roasting marshmallows over a roaring campfire. This square stick pendant features toasty orange and red hues mixed with bits of white. It measures 1/" by 2 1/4" and comes on a Silver Bail. Necklaces are purchased separately and available from Flowing Glass Studio in Minnesota.

Pink Dichroic Pendant and Earring Matching Set
Groovy Glass Girl

This groovy pendant and earring set sparkles in pale or hot-glitter pink, depending on the light you are in. The pendant is 1 3/4" in length and comes on 16" multistrand necklace with a 2" extension. The earrings are 1" long and made with locking French earring hooks in gunmetal. Available from Groovy Glass Girl in Vancouver.

That's all we have time for today, but before you go please congratulate Posh Mama Suzi! Suzi will be receiving the gorgeous Agate earrings from last week's giveaway sponsor, KKPW Designs.

This week, one lucky Posh Mama member will be selected using www.random.org to win this pair of Pretty in Pink foiled glass earrings from my shop, Capitola Girl Jewelry.

To enter the contest:

1. Join the Posh Mama social network at: www.poshmama.com

2. Read my original blog post. Then, leave a comment about your favorite jewelry piece this week in the Comments section of the original blog post.

The winner will be selected using www.random.org and announced in next week's Friday Findings post.