Fluid for Glitter Lamp

[Makka-Pakka68]

Re my previous thread "can anyone identify these", I now need to find new fluid for the French Style glitter lamp. My sister accidently tipped some out years ago, and topped it up with water! The lamp works, but needs new solution. What is the fluid and where could I get some from? I live in the UK by the way.

Many thanks in advance.

[Matmos]

Hi,
I guess it depends what lamp it is, I know that the older style glitters contain either Trichlorotrifuorethane (now banned and unobtainable due to its effect on the ozone layer) or Tetrachloroethylene otherwise known as Perchloroethylene, which is very nasty, and toxic. However if it was a water based one, then the water shouldnt have effected it too much. These work with a specific gravity that supports the glitter, and are usually epsom salt based. The final possibility is that its an oil based glitter (Mathmos made several of these in the late 90s) and this is usually a simple mineral or vegetable oil. If you post a pic Im sure someone can identify the lamp for you!!

[Makka-Pakka68]

Thanks. I'll attach photos. I've already attached photos in the Collecting Section entitled "Anyone Identify These". The Jury is still out to the identify (no marks or clues) but the opinion is probably French or even a GemLite. The fluid is clear. The glitter (looks like little clear plastic squares) floats on the top of the fluid, and the water sits on top of that. I was hoping to drain out the fluid and save the glitter, and replace the fluid.

[Matmos]

Hi, Im pretty sure that this lamp would be solvent based. Many of the older style solvent based lamps suffer the effects of time by losing the shine on their glitter, due to the damage from the solvent itself. If you want to replace all the fluid then my advice would be to look on ebay and find a Crestworth living jewel. Theres one going now with some leakage on its bottle. (this could easily be replaced with lava for a nice vintage looking jet lava lamp) Just look under Crestworth. If you do want to replace the fluid with solvent from an old glitter, be careful. Do it OUTSIDE, and never use warm fluid, and seal the lid of the vase afterwards with a sealent of somekind. Ive also found that the clear squares look FANTASTIC if you paint the bottom of the vase using glass paint. They pick up the colour and look much better than with just white light. Hope this helps!!! (p.s. please see my corny "living jewels to 70s grove" video, so you know what they look like!! D xx

[Makka-Pakka68]

Is a Crestworth Living Jewel an expensive lamp? I was hoping to sell it, but obviously I have no idea what it will make, and I don't wish to purchase an expensive lamp to repair a cheaper one, if you see what I mean.

Where do I see your "living jewels to 70s grove video" please?

[Matmos]

Hi, yep Im afraid they go for a lot, as theyre vintage, and uncommon. If you want to sell the lamp, I expect you would get a lot for it as it is now in all honesty. Us glitter/lava fans like to have the original as it was! give it a go on Ebay and see how you go. Best of luck. For my vid just look in the videos section.

[Makka-Pakka68]

Thanks for your help, and thanks for the nostalgia that is Boney M. How it brought back memories ... and made me feel my age LOL.

[Matmos]

Hehe, Bloody fantastic werent they!! Good luck, and youre welcome xxx

[Makka-Pakka68]

Thanks, I'll look at Lava World. I'm concerned I'll spend so much on it I won't get it back. However, the lamp was a gift years ago, so I suppose its worth a go. Pity I can't find another one selling to get an idea of what it will sell for. Lots to think about, but thanks for the idea.