Opalescent Glass

Opalescent glass is a general term for clear or coloured glass with a milky white opaque or translucent effect often to either the rim (such as Davidson's Pearline range) or centre of the glass item. French makers Lalique and Sabino, and Jobling from England are all well known for their opalescent art deco glass production. Opalescent glass has also been produced in various other countries including Italy and Czechoslovakia. One way of creating opalescent glass is the slow cooling of the thicker areas of the glass, resulting in crystallisation. Another method is used in hand blown glass, using two layers of glass, with the outer layer containing chemicals which react to heat to cause opalescence. Opalescent glass can also be created by reheating certain areas as they begin to cool, again with the use of heat sensitive chemicals.