Beveled Glass

 

Beveled, Carved and Ornamental Glass Terminology

When you're considering adding ornamental glass to your home decor, there are many options available for you. Glass artists can take plain glass and create unique designs with carving or etching. Glass art can be used in a variety of applications, such as ornaments, mirrors and furniture. Here are some terms to remember when buying glass objects.

Beveled Glass - Thick glass that is cut at an angle around the edges. It can be made from plain or textured glass in any color. An ornament with a bevel cut creates a prism, or rainbow effect, when sunlight shines through it. A variety of items can be composed of beveled glass, from table tops to cabinet doors.

Stained Glass - A design composed of various pieces of cut glass dyed with metallic salts. Stained glass windows are often found in churches and come to life when sunlight shines through them.

Etched Glass - A method of decorating glass, using acidic or abrasive substances. Etching makes it possible to personalize glass objects, such as ornaments or boxes, with special messages or names.

Carved Glass - Glass that is cut instead of blown. Glass carvers may form simple designs, or complex personalized sculptures. They use diamond saws or abrasive wheels to form the glass into desired shapes.

Bevel Cluster - A collection of beveled glass pieces arranged to form a design. Bevel clusters form hearts, diamonds and various other shapes. Mirrors may be incorporated in the designs.

Tempered Glass - Also called safety glass, this glass is made to break into small pebbles. It is used when standard glass could pose a danger, but is not as strong as regular glass.