This week's obsession: kaleidoscopes
A kaleidoscope constantly generates changing symmetrical patterns from small pieces of coloured glass, and therefore a kaleidoscope symbolises anything that changes constantly. At Covett, we love Kaleidoscopes, not only because they remind us of the colours of gemstones but because they are like fractals, which go on and on and this resonates with our Abundance ethos.
People often ask, “What is a kaleidoscope?” Is it just a fanciful toy or is it more?
A kaleidoscope (/kəˈlaɪdəskoʊp/) is an optical instrument with two or more reflecting surfaces tilted to each other at an angle, so that one or more (parts of) objects on one end of the mirrors are seen as a regular symmetrical pattern when viewed from the other end, due to repeated reflection.
Kids are mostly attracted to the beautiful magic form of Kaleidoscopes due to the light and the mirrors will bringing the reflection into different shapes. I think adults will love to have it too as light and mirrors are right up our street.
Kaleidoscope is derived from the Ancient Greek word καλός (kalos), "beautiful, beauty", εἶδος (eidos), "that which is seen: form, shape" and σκοπέω (skopeō), "to look to, to examine", hence "observation of beautiful forms."
The name was coined by its Scottish inventor David Brewster, and it was first published in the patent that was granted on July 10, 1817.
Most kaleidoscopes are mass-produced from inexpensive materials, and intended as children's toys. At the other extreme are handmade pieces that display fine craftsmanship. Craft galleries often carry a few kaleidoscopes, while other enterprises specialize in them, carrying dozens of different types from different artists and craftspeople. Most handmade kaleidoscopes are now made in India, Bangladesh, Japan, the USA, Russia and Italy, following a long tradition of glass craftsmanship in those countries.
Russian and Italian kaleidoscopes are among the best. Sasha Karasev, a Russian woman decided to make a proper kaleidoscope out of gemstones for her sister’s birthday. Have you ever heard of a kaleidoscope that had not mere stained glass, but actual gemstones? Neither have we, so this definitively is an opulent gift!
The following stones were used for the kaleidoscope:
Ruby, heart cut (2 sizes)
Amethyst, trillion cut
Sapphire, marquise cut (2 sizes)
Sapphire, baguette cut
Emerald, marquise cut
Have a fun peek at the only gemstone kaleidoscope known...so far!
Being a Covett co-owner is the equivalent of having a kaleidoscope of gemstones and amazing jewellery. One turn emerald, the next diamond, the next sapphire. With Covett the joy of jewellery never ends. Become a Covettist and be part of this magical world of colour and reflection.
Fun Facts
Some people used kaleidoscopes for kids. For example, in Montessori system, they often use kaleidoscopes for teaching kids. In other fields, kaleidoscopes are used for many reasons. It has several functions that we didn’t know. Below are the 10 interesting facts about kaleidoscopes.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 1: It Is an Optical Technology
The basic materials for making kaleidoscopes are mirrors and light. With several additional materials, kaleidoscopes work beautifully to reflect the objects.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 2: It Was Invented By Scottish Physicist
Sir David Brewster was the inventor of Kaleidoscopes. In 1816 he found the idea to make the tiny telescope. His idea actually came from the telescope he had used to the see the stars.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 3: The Form Is Usually V Form Or Triangle
It is made from two or more optics or mirrors that later reflect the objects inside. Because of its shape of more mirrors, the reflection of the objects is usually V form or triangle.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 4: Kaleidoscopes Is More Than A Toy For Kids
As we usually see, Kaleidoscopes are well known among kid’s toy. However, the function is more than a kid’s toy. It has been used in several fields in the world, especially fields that are related to reflection of particular objects.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 5: It Has Mirrors as The Main Optical System
The main optical system in Kaleidoscopes is the mirrors. Usually, Kaleidoscopes contain more than two mirrors. The aim is to reflect the objects inside the tube into many different forms.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 6: The Origin of The Word Comes From Greek
It comes from Greek which are kalos, eidos, and skopios that means beautiful form.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 7: Materials To Use Are Raw
Some materials that are used to make kaleidoscopes are raw. Generally, pebbles, and colorful stones will reflect good colorful forms.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 8: You Can See The Pattern In Modern Arts
Nowadays, we see many forms of Kaleidoscopes in art. The artist use the concept of reflection in Kaleidoscopes and turn it into an artwork.
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 9: Kaleidoscopes Are Often Used In Psychology
If you read about the psychology of colour, the concept they use to explain comes from Kaleidoscopes. It’s beautiful with the colourful paintings
Facts About Kaleidoscopes 10: The Beautiful Forms Attract The Kids Most of The Time
Kids are mostly attracted with the beautiful magic form of Kaleidoscopes. The light and the mirror will bring the reflection into different from. I think adults will love to have it too!
You can try to make your own Kaleidoscopes with the materials you have at home. The raw materials we mentioned above can be used as your references from interesting facts about Kaleidoscopes.
