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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: wolkenreb on August 24, 2011, 12:38:35 PM

Title: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: wolkenreb on August 24, 2011, 12:38:35 PM
Hi.  This is an interesting wee item which I couldn't resist, but I have no idea what it is.  The sphere comes to a very slight point at the bottom and is flattened at the top, so it does not 'sit'.   There are orange and yellows stripes running through the hoop.  Any ideas anyone?
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: scimiman on August 24, 2011, 01:23:01 PM
Looks like a ring you would wear on your finger.
Mike www.abfabglass.co.uk
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: wolkenreb on August 24, 2011, 02:10:56 PM
Good suggestion but the hole made by the loop is U-shaped rather than round.  I did try it though - and could only just fit it onto my pinkie.  I'd say it's definitely not a ring.  Thanks though!
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: ahremck on August 24, 2011, 03:44:01 PM
I thought it might be a scarf loop where the scarf ends are passed throught the loop and tied so the loop can't fall off and it becomes a feature like a necklace.

Ross
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: ju1i3 on August 24, 2011, 05:44:24 PM
Would it spin like a top? A mini dreidel? Never mind, just realised it doesn't have sides.
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: wolkenreb on August 24, 2011, 06:02:45 PM
Ross - I guess it could be used for a scarf, but I think I don't know if that's its purpose.

Julie - I had to look dreidel up - a word I'd never heard before but what an interesting thing - I've never come across one.  This obviously isn't one!

Thanks guys!

Does anyone think it's just a little knick-knack that a glassmaker made during an idle moment or two?
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: Frank on August 24, 2011, 08:02:09 PM
It is a lampwork ring, made by a bead-maker who probably has smaller fingers then you. Go to one of the craft fairs and you might even find the maker.
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: wolkenreb on August 24, 2011, 10:26:29 PM
I'll take your word for it Frank although it's pretty ugly as a ring (far too cumbersome) - wish it was something else!  Thanks anyway!
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: wolkenreb on August 24, 2011, 11:13:42 PM
I've trawled through THOUSANDS of glass/lampwork rings for sale on Ebay and none of them are made in two parts like this one.  There are certainly plenty of big chunky ones, but they are all one piece ie a single band of glass.  So I'm having my doubts about it being a ring, although always ready to be corrected . . .
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: Frank on August 24, 2011, 11:20:37 PM
Try etsy.com for craft makers and glass artists... much better than eBay for this field.
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: wolkenreb on August 25, 2011, 07:09:35 PM
Right enough Frank.  Quite a variety of lampwork glass rings on Etsy, and a few similar in form to mine.  Oh well  :-X  Rather a boring result.

Appreciate everyone's input.

Nancy
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: Frank on August 25, 2011, 10:29:41 PM
There are a few beadmakers and quite a few lampworkers that also make beads that fall into the very exciting category. It is a skill that takes a small amount of training and a minimal amount of equipment. What makes the difference is of course, as with any glass, the creativity that is applied. Check out Rachel Elliot - an important Scottish glass artist doing some wonderful things in the smallest of 'afforable' packages... she sells on Etsy but you can short cut the hunt here http://www.rachel-elliott.com/
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: wolkenreb on August 27, 2011, 04:50:59 PM
Yes, I agree about lampwork being exciting and very beautiful too sometimes.  I do a fair bit of beading and use a lot of lampwork beads.  It amazes me the amount of detail that can go into them, and it always seems a shame that they are just hanging from a bracelet, necklace etc as you have to see them close up to really appreciate them.

I am posting one last picture.  I DO think this is quite beautiful, it just makes an ugly ring.  My mum agrees!  I would have thought that whoever made this would have made the band round rather than U shaped.  This photo gives a better idea of why it seems an unlikely ring, unless it is just not very well made . . .
Title: Re: Glass sphere with loop and rainbow swirl - what is it?
Post by: Frank on August 27, 2011, 08:24:52 PM
... unless it is just not very well made . . .

Seems to be the case. But as long as it can still give pleasure....