Poland’s last crystal glass manufacturer, the Julia Crystal Glass Factory, has been Anna Orska’s jewelry design studio for the past few months. The Polish jewelry designer has been touring the world’s workshops in search of rare, dying crafts. This time, Anna’s latest collection is inspired by the heritage of the glass artisans of Piechowice.
During the creation of the JULIA jewelry collection, the designers faced a number of challenges. The wooden molds used in the glass factory proved too large to make the jewelry pieces, so ORSKA’s workshop designed custom molds made of metal. The smiths poured a single drop of 1200 degrees Celsius liquid glass into the rings. Anna Orska adapted some of the popular patterns of the crystal glass and combined them with entirely new motifs. Usually, the artists at Julia adapt the cut to the shape, eliminating the danger posed by small imperfections and air bubbles that might have been formed in the glass. ORSKA has reversed this process, so in the JULIA jewelry collection it is the cut that defines the shape and character of the glass.
In ORSKA’s workshop, the finished crystal elements are set in 23.5-carat gold. Several necklaces were designed that are embellished with striking pendants, as well as large rings, and a cuff. The collection is completed with metal jewelry, a reinterpretation of the traditional decoration of crystal vessels. ORSKA has rearranged the tiny facets and made them the main decorative motif.
Once polished, crystal glass is heavier and more durable than traditional glass. The addition of lead oxide can result in a wonderful play of light after polishing. Deep cutting, polishing and engraving further enhance the crystal’s rich ornamentation, spectacular brilliance, and beautiful sparkle.
The JULIA collection redefines the concept of crystal glass, traditionally associated with tableware and family heirlooms. But ORSKA has taken it out of the glass cabinet and brought it into everyday life in its own style: the jewelry pieces created are an inspiration to set glass and crystal free and enjoy our daily lives in their company.
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