What is Roman Glass?

Roman glass refers to glass artifacts created by the ancient Romans, typically between the 1st century BCE and the 4th century CE. These glass pieces were originally used for various purposes, including containers, tableware, and decorative items. Over time, many of these glass items were discarded or buried, becoming buried beneath layers of soil and sediment.

Roman Glass Bracelet

Where is Roman Glass Found?

Roman glass is primarily found in regions that were once part of the Roman Empire, including parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Significant quantities of Roman glass have been unearthed in modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Italy, among other locations. Archaeological excavations often reveal these ancient glass pieces in ancient Roman cities, settlements, and burial sites. The Roman glass used in our jewelry all comes from Israel.

Why is There So Much Roman Glass that it is Available for Use in Jewelry?

The abundance of Roman glass used in jewelry today can be attributed to a few key factors:

  1. Mass Production by the Romans: The Roman Empire was known for its advanced glass-making techniques and large-scale production. They perfected the art of glassblowing, allowing for the mass production of glass items. As a result, a vast amount of glass was produced during this period, much of which has survived to this day.

  2. Durability of Glass: Glass, unlike many other materials, does not decompose over time. This durability has allowed Roman glass to survive for millennia, often in surprisingly good condition, even after being buried for centuries.

  3. Recycling and Upcycling: Modern artisans and jewelers often repurpose fragments of ancient Roman glass, turning them into unique pieces of jewelry. The iridescent patina that develops on the glass over centuries of burial adds a beautiful, shimmering quality that is highly prized in contemporary jewelry design. The repurposing of these ancient fragments into jewelry allows the glass to continue its legacy in a new form.

  4. Archaeological Discoveries: Ongoing archaeological digs continue to uncover large quantities of Roman glass. Some of these finds are preserved in museums, while others are made available for commercial use, allowing jewelers to access these ancient materials for their creations.

Roman glass jewelry offers a tangible connection to the ancient world, combining history with artistry, and its availability ensures that this ancient craft continues to inspire and adorn people today.

Roman Glass Earrings

How to Care For Roman Glass Jewelry

Caring for Roman glass jewelry, especially when paired with silver, requires a delicate approach to preserve both the ancient glass and the silver settings. Roman glass is fragile and can be easily damaged if not treated properly. Here’s how to take care of your Roman glass jewelry made with silver:

1. Avoid Exposure to Water and Chemicals

  • Roman Glass Care: Roman glass, being thousands of years old, is sensitive to water, soap, and chemicals. Avoid exposing it to water, perfumes, lotions, or cleaning products, as these can damage its surface or cause discoloration.
  • Silver Care: Sterling silver can tarnish when exposed to chemicals like chlorine or cleaning agents. Always remove your jewelry before swimming, showering, or doing household chores.

2. Store Carefully

  • Roman Glass Care: Roman glass is fragile and can chip or break if mishandled. Store your jewelry in a soft-lined jewelry box or pouch, ideally kept separate from other items to avoid scratches.
  • Silver Care: To prevent the silver from tarnishing, store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. Consider using anti-tarnish strips in your storage container.

3. Gentle Cleaning

  • Roman Glass Care: Never use water, soap, or commercial jewelry cleaners on Roman glass. Instead, gently wipe it with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust or fingerprints.
  • Silver Care: Clean the silver setting with a soft silver polishing cloth, taking care not to touch the Roman glass with any cleaning agents. Avoid using liquid silver cleaners as they could damage the glass.

4. Avoid Abrasive Materials

  • Both Roman glass and silver can be scratched by abrasive materials. Be cautious when wearing your jewelry, and avoid contact with hard surfaces.

5. Wear with Care

  • Since Roman glass is delicate, avoid wearing your jewelry during activities that could cause impact or pressure on the piece. It’s best to wear Roman glass jewelry on special occasions rather than as everyday wear to preserve its condition.

By following these care tips, you can maintain the beauty of your Roman glass jewelry made with silver, ensuring it remains a treasured piece for years to come.

Discover the beauty of Roman glass in our Roman Glass Jewelry Collection.