Dichroic Glass
Paula Radke has worked with dichroic glass for decades, handcrafting beads, cabochons, jewelry, and heirloom pieces on California’s Central Coast. Here’s what makes dichroic glass so special, how it’s made, and what to look for when you’re choosing beads or finished jewelry.
What is Dichroic Glass?
How is dichroic glass made?
Why does it change color?
Dichroic glass vs. iridescent glass
Types of dichroic glass pieces
Top selling dichroic glass pieces
How to choose dichroic glass beads
How to choose dichroic glass jewelry
Care and durability
The Paula Radke difference
Frequently asked questions
“If you’ve ever tilted a piece of dichroic glass and watched it shift from ocean teal to sunset gold in a heartbeat, you know the feeling: magic. This rare color-play isn’t paint or glitter. It’s the result of ultra-thin metallic layers—measured in nanometers—fused to glass and then kiln-fired to perfection.”
What is dichroic glass?
Dichroic glass is glass with a micro-thin coating of metal oxides that reflect some wavelengths of light and transmit others. The word “dichroic” literally means “two-colored,” but in practice these pieces can flash a spectrum—turquoise, fuchsia, amber, lime—depending on the angle and light.
Not painted: The color isn’t a surface dye. It’s an optical effect created by stacked metallic layers.
Not glitter: The shimmer is smooth and mirror-like, often with dramatic color shifts.
Unique patterns: Artists can layer, carve, and fuse patterns so no two pieces are identical.
How Is Dichroic Glass Made?
Specialty coating Aerospace-grade
Specialty coating Aerospace-grade dichroic coatings are vapor-deposited on glass in a vacuum chamber, building up dozens of micro-layers of metal oxides. The exact stack determines the color shift.
Artist shaping and layering
Artists cut, layer, and compose the coated glass with clear or colored glass. You can trap pattern, depth, and metallic “spark” within the stack.
Kiln-fusing and annealing
In the kiln, glass layers fuse at high heat, then cool slowly (anneal) to strengthen the final piece. This controls clarity, durability, and that signature smooth surface.
Pro tip: Quality annealing is why high-end dichroic beads feel solid, smooth at the hole, and stand up to everyday wear.
Types of Dichroic Glass
You’ll find dichroic glass fashioned into all types of beautiful products in this shop.
Beads
Hand-shaped and kiln-annealed with the coating captured under clear glass for depth and durability. Great for earrings, bracelets, pendants.
Jewelry
Finished earrings, pendants, necklaces—perfect gift-ready options.
Plates and art objects
Fused glass trays, plates, and decorative pieces that bring the shimmer to your home.
Cabochons
Flat-backed pieces for bezel settings, rings, and pendants; sizes commonly 18–25mm.
Top selling ‘dichroic glass’ pieces
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![Dichroic Bead Assortment]()
Dichroic Bead Assortment
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![dark blue on black dichroic glass beads]()
dark blue on black dichroic glass beads
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![pink clear dichroic cube beads]()
pink clear dichroic cube beads
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orange on black dichroic tube beads
FAQs
What is dichroic glass made of?
Standard art glass with micro-layers of metal oxides deposited in a vacuum, then fused and annealed in a kiln.
What’s the difference between dichroic and iridescent glass?
Dichroic uses engineered multi-layers for bold, mirror-like shifts; iridescent has a softer rainbow sheen.
Why does dichroic glass change color?
Its layered coating reflects and transmits different wavelengths, so colors appear to shift as viewing angles and light change.
Which bead sizes are best for earrings and bracelets?
Earrings: 6–8mm or light slim shapes. Bracelets: 8–10mm works well; mix with spacers for comfort.
Is dichroic glass durable enough for everyday jewelry?
Yes—when properly annealed and finished. Avoid hard impacts and clean with a soft cloth.