Trend Alert – Fused Glass Jewelry in A Stunning Array of Colors

Fused glass belt buckles? Who would have thought they’d be one of the next biggest jewelry trends? Apparently celebrities like Paris Hilton and Carlos Santana did and are now fans… so we figured we’d better check these new, trendy items out.

Turns out they’re fabulous!  Adorning leather belts, solid fused glass belt buckles can be found in an astounding array of colors.  We discovered a great little source – all handmade in New England – offering fused glass belt buckles in (get this) 26 different colors. These aren’t ordinary colors, either. Think flashy cosmopolitan pinks, striking Caribbean blues, bright forsythia yellows, and vivid orange speckles.Each one vibrant and dazzling, these fused glass gems go way beyond accessorizing an outfit – they make the outfit.

We were curious to learn more about the artistry behind fused glass jewelry making. Turns out, fused glass is an art practiced by people all over the world. And its popularity is growing in leaps and bounds.  Instead of having to cut and assemble hundreds of smaller pieces of glass, seamless fused glass pieces are made without “lead lines” by melting two or more glass pieces in a kiln. Sometimes the glass is placed over a mold, or melted into a cast. Another method growing in popularity is stacking thin sheets of glass, usually using different contrasting colors, to create patterns or simple images. Each process provides a great range of artistic expression, whether the end results are glass bowls, coasters, pendants, earrings…or belt buckles. You can find solid color items, pieces with multiple swirling colors, and even those with stripes or speckles.

You’ll discover a lot of great fused glass pieces simply by wandering galleries and boutiques- such as the ones you’d find off the cobblestone streets of the Old Port in Portland, Me or Newport, Rhode Island. Or there are many opportunities online to shop for fused glass jewelry – and the belt buckles that are all the rage with today’s celebs. Have fun expressing your unique style with these colorful pieces.