DATE: Edwardian, c.1910

Uranium glass has been produced for thousands of years and, remarkably, actually contains its namesake element, usually in oxide form, making up anywhere between 2% to 25% of its composition. This example displays a striking acid green colour, and under UV light it fluoresces bright green - think uranium rod in the opening credits of the Simpsons. The first noted use of uranium glass dates back to a 79AD mosaic found in a Roman villa on Cape Posillipo, including yellow glass analysed to contain 1%. Soon after it was first identified in 1789, uranium was being added to decorative glass for its fluorescent "glowing" effect - often tableware and household items, although it fell out of use during the cold war when availability of uranium to civil industries was curtailed. 

This brooch features two faceted gems making up the abdomen and cephalothorax of a spider, mounted on three slender bars. 

STONES 

Uranium glass (paste gemstones)

MEASUREMENTS 

Width: 6.5cm

Spider: 2.6 x 2.5cm

WEIGHT 

5.0g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as rolled gold

CONDITION 

 Good, light wear commensurate with age