Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A handmade studio art glass brooch featuring an etched walking bear motif surrounded by geometric shards. Crafted using fused dichroic glass, it displays brilliant iridescent gold, amber, and blue-green optical color shifts depending on the viewing angle.
Story
NASA originally engineered dichroic glass for spacecraft mirrors and satellite optics. In the late 20th century, innovative studio jewelers repurposed this space-age material to capture vibrant, shifting wildlife art in miniature.
Maker / Origin
During the 1980s and 1990s Studio Glass movement, independent American glass artists began firing kilns to create wearable art using high-tech surplus materials. While this piece is unsigned, it exemplifies the vibrant boom of independent craft fairs and gallery jewelry from that era.
Condition & Value
Very good condition with no apparent chips, cracks, or fleabites to the fused glass edges. The commercial bar pin is intact and securely adhered to the reverse. Excellent condition maintains its full decorative value.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.