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Yes, these dazzling Art Deco era earrings are exquisite, but did you know that it is also harboring a secret?
By day, these green goddesses would fool any admirer into thinking they were gazing upon an exquisite cut of green tourmaline. But under the cover of darkness is when the truth is revealed. For once the earrings are exposed to ultraviolet light, it produces a light show of its own!
The reason: uranium!
As the name implies, uranium glass (or sometimes referred to as vaseline glass) is glass with trace amounts of uranium added before the melting process. The addition of this oxide diuranate not only gives this glass a distinctive green color, but also causes it to fluoresce under UV light.
First identified by a German chemist in 1789, it wasn't long until this glowing colorant was being added to different types of decorative glassware from vases to dinner plates, nick-knacks to jewelry.
In the US, uranium glass was immensely popular from the 1880s up until the second World War, when the government confiscated the majority of the uranium supplies for the Manhattan Project.
After the war, restrictions on uranium usage were lifted, but by then the uranium glass bubble had burst. Today, uranium glass -- particularly jewelry -- is back at the top of collectors' must-have list thanks to TikTok!
These lovely earrings feature three radiantly cut glass gems set in an open back brass setting. Unfortunately, they are missing their original earring posts so we have added gold filled earring wires for ease of wear. The photos absolutely do not do these earrings justice!
Additional Details
Date: 1920s-1940s
Materials: Brass, Glass
Measurements: 2" x 1/2"
Markings: None
Condition: Very good. Earrings have some overall wear consitent with age.
Cleaning and Care
Clean with mild jewelry cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and dry with microfiber cloth.
