[Jewelry making - Article 00164] - Re: [Orchid] Value of old Roman intaglios?

[Lisa Bialac-Jehle]

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Hi David,

    Good job on the glass casting! I have done some work in glass,
    blowing, casting and pate de verre, and that is pretty much how it
    is done. Use dental investment, as it has more expansion capability,
    and cool very slowly so that the work doesn't disintegrate later down
    the line due to incompatibility or improper cooling which causes
    internal stress. Ever had an ashtray that you've had for months or
    years just go "pop", and split in half for no apparent reason?
    Cooling too fast is the reason. There is information on how to do
    this properly on- line if you look. There is some good info on this
    site: 

    http://www.warmglass.com/Basic_Process.htm 

    Although bottle glass will work, it is tough, yes glass can toughen,
    and won't flow as well as fresh manufactured cullet. The best bet is
    to use colored glass rod bought from a glass supplier, for example:
    Olympic at www.glasscolor.com, or Wale: 

    http://www.waleapparatus.com/ or even
    http://dmoz.org/Shopping/Crafts/ Supplies/Glass/ The German rod is
    the finest with the best color varieties, it is more expensive, but
    truly worth it. 

    Or try pate de verre by using colored glass in powdered form.
    Bullseye is a good company for that. Definitely, pressing down on the
    glass is helpful in making small pieces, as the weight of the glass
    is not sufficient to fill the mold on its own. 

    If you want a polished finish, you will have to invest in a flat
    metal glass lap wheel and use finer and finer grits, just like with
    stone. Its easy to do. A good alternative if you don't find the
    finished product that you are looking for. Good luck! 

Lisa, (yeah yeah...I know...I should make my own dang
intaglios...lol) Topanga, CA USA

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