This ring features dichroic glass set in sterling silver, showcasing a vivid play of colors that shift with light and angle. Originally developed for use by NASA, dichroic glass was engineered by applying micro-layers of metallic oxides onto glass surfaces. This technology was designed for optical and aerospace applications, including filtering light in spacecraft.
Details:
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Material: Dichroic glass cabochon with sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) setting
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Appearance: Color-shifting surface with bright, reflective hues that change with perspective
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Origin: Technology developed by NASA for use in optical filters and spacecraft equipment
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Structure: Glass coated with ultra-thin metallic oxide layers, creating interference effects
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Physical Properties: Mohs hardness of ~5–6 for glass; durable sterling silver band
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Educational Value: Demonstrates thin-film interference, a principle in optics where layered materials manipulate light
The sterling silver dichroic glass ring combines aerospace innovation with artistic design, making it both a striking accessory and a tangible example of science applied to everyday life.