As we have high expectations of our glass Maggie's Glassworks uses only first quality materials. Borosilicate glass, also known as hard glass, has large amounts of boron and silicon and melts at a high temperature. Hard glass, unlike soft glass, is thermal shock resistant and is quite similar to the Pyrex dishes found in your own kitchen. After the piece of glass has been created, it is placed in an annealing oven then slowly brought down in temperature to prevent the pendant from cracking. Maggies Gems artisans are confidant that our raw materials and techniques used create consistantly the BEST glass jewelry on the planet. Many of our creations were born from our love of nature. Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest keep inspiring us with more creations.
To create the wonderful glass jewelry shown on this site, our artisans use a method called lampworking. Lampwork is the process or technique of forming glass items made of rods and tubes by heating them with an oxygen-gas flame. This creative process is a highly focused combustion. Borosilicate glass, also known as hard glass, has large amounts of boron and silicon and melts at a high temperature. Hard glass, unlike soft glass, is thermal shock resistant and is quite similar to the Pyrex dishes found in your own kitchen.
In order to create the temperature needed to melt borosilicate glass, an oxygen propane torch is required. The medium is available in the form of rods, tubes, or crushed up pieces called frit, all are available in clear and a variety of colours. The glass is then formed in the flame with the help of gravity and a selection of tools to achieve a hand-sculpted piece. By adjusting the mixture of gases, one can achieve a range of flame characteristics from oxidizing to reduction. Due to the properties of glass and the many techniques the artist can use, each product produced is unique and holds individual qualities and properties.
