Glass dice have a certain allure that can instantly captivate tabletop gamers. Their translucent beauty and colourful designs make them stand out in the world of tabletop role-playing dice. But are glass dice anything more than just eye candy?
In this article, we'll delve into the world of glass dice to understand what sets them apart, so you can decide whether they're a worthy addition to your collection.
What are glass dice?
Glass dice offer a unique twist on the traditional plastic polyhedral dice used in tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.
Above: our rainbow glass dice set.
The glass used in these dice is specially selected for its clarity and ability to capture and refract light, giving the dice their stunning, translucent appearance.
How are glass dice made?
Glass dice are crafted through a meticulous process that combines artistry and precision. Skilled artisans typically pour molten glass into a cast or mold. Once it cools, there are a variety of ways to give them a unique finish, such as acid bathing.
The dice are then polished to a smooth finish, and their numbers are painted on typically using a special paint.
The result is a set of glass dice that not only serve as functional gaming tools but also stand out as miniature works of art due to their intricate designs and captivating visual effects when rolled.
How delicate are glass dice?
Glass dice are not as delicate as they might appear. They are more fragile than plastic or metal dice but are sturdy enough to withstand rolling. When used appropriately, glass dice can be rolled without issue, and they provide a unique and satisfying rolling experience due to their smooth, polished surfaces.
However, it's essential to handle glass dice with care. While they can endure regular rolling, mishandling or forcefully throwing them can lead to chipping or cracking. It's crucial to remember that these dice are made of glass, a material that, while robust, is more fragile than plastics or metals commonly used for dice.
What are the pros and cons of glass dice?
To help you decide whether glass dice are right for your dice collection, we’ve compiled some of the main pros and cons of glass dice.
Pros of glass dice
- Aesthetic elegance: glass dice are visually captivating and often feature vibrant, translucent colours and intricate designs that enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Unique rolling sensation: the smooth, polished surface of glass dice provides a distinct rolling feel and noise that many players find satisfying.
- Customisation: artisans can create custom glass dice with unique colours, patterns, and even inscriptions, allowing for personalized and one-of-a-kind dice sets.
Cons of glass dice
- Higher cost: glass dice sets are more expensive than dice made from other materials, especially resin or acrylic.
- Fragility: glass dice can chip or crack if mishandled or subjected to forceful rolling, making them less durable than some other materials if not cared for.
- Limited variety: glass dice don’t come in as wide a variety of shapes and styles as other materials as they require skilled artisans to create.
How to look after glass DND dice
- Roll them with care: glass dice, while beautiful, can be fragile. When rolling them, do so gently and avoid slamming them onto hard surfaces.
- Use a dice tray: while a dice tray isn’t required to play D&D, to protect your glass dice and the surface you're playing on, always use a dice tray. This prevents unnecessary wear and tear on both the dice and your tabletop.
- Store them safely: when not in use, store your glass dice in a dice bag. This keeps them safe from dust and potential scratches that can occur when they rub against other hard objects.
- Separate them from other dice: to prevent chipping or scratching, store your glass dice separately from dice made of other materials like metal or sharp-edged resin.
Are glass dice worth it?
Whether glass dice are worth it depends on your preferences and priorities as a tabletop gamer. If you're looking for dice with a touch of luxury and appreciate their aesthetic appeal, then yes, glass dice can be a great choice! They offer a unique look that sets them apart from common materials like plastic or metal.
Check out our guide that explores the different materials D&D dice are made out of.
However, it's important to consider that glass dice require careful handling to prevent chipping or cracking. If you're willing to take the time and care to protect your glass dice, they can be a valuable addition to your collection. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal taste and how much you value the aesthetic and tactile qualities of glass dice.
In summary, glass DND dice are a unique and visually stunning addition to any tabletop gaming collection. They offer a touch of elegance and luxury, but their delicate nature requires careful handling and consideration.
If you're interested in expanding your dice collection, explore our wide range of polyhedral dice sets. We offer various materials, including metal DND dice and even liquid core dice sets, with options to suit every player's style and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting your journey in the world of tabletop gaming, our dice sets are sure to enhance your gaming experience.
