The Glitter Chronicles: A Brief History of Glitter

Have you ever wondered where glitter comes from? How it gets made? Or whose idea it was in the first place to create little specks of shiny things that fly through the air and instantly spice up any event? No, me neither to be honest. Glitter has become such an integrated part of our contemporary culture that we hardly question how it came about. However, we really should explore these questions, as the history of glitter is just as fascinating and enchanting as the substance itself. In honour of Projekt Glitter now being stocked at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, we thought we would take you on a little journey through time to find out more about the history of our favourite sparkling substance.

 

Ancient Sparkle

Since prehistoric times, glitter has been produced from a variety of materials including stones such as malachite (you know those funky green precious stones you buy in museum gift shops with concentric circles that look vaguely psychedelic and you just HAD to have when you were 10 years old?), and mica (a possibly less delightful substance found in mineral rocks), as well as insects and glass.

Cave paintings as old as 30,000 years old have been found to have been jazzed up with glittering substances in order to enhance their aesthetic beauty. The ever-enterprising and stylish Ancient Egyptians were known to crush up beatles 😣 or stones (like our aforementioned friend malachite) to create glitter for cosmetic use. Researchers also believe Mayan temples were sometimes painted with red, green, and grey glitter paint made from mica dust. A form of lead called ‘galena’ was also used by First Nations North Americans in the Mississippi region up to 8000 years ago to create glittering paint. Interestingly the term “glitter” itself has stayed almost the same throughout time, with the word being derived from the Old Norse word (the culture that brought us Vikings, Thor and Loki) ‘glitra’ meaning “to shine”. 

 

Modern Beginnings: The Birth of Industrial Glitter

While ancient cultures relied on nature for their shimmering accents, modern glitter as we know it took shape in the 20th century. The story begins during the 1930s and 40s, with a farmer named Henry Ruschmann from New Jersey, USA. After World War II, materials like glass and metals were increasingly used in manufacturing, and Ruschmann discovered a way to finely grind plastics, creating reflective particles that offered a shimmer akin to traditional glittery minerals. Ruschmann's invention not only democratised the use of glitter—making it cheaper and more versatile—but also marked the beginning of industrial glitter production, which soon took the craft, fashion, and cosmetics industries by storm.  By the 1970s, glitter had reached mainstream popularity, fueled by the rise of glam rock, which saw musicians and fans alike embracing sparkly face paint, clothing, and accessories. I like to imagine what Ruschmann would think if he watched one episode of Drag Race and saw what his invention was being used for today; should he actually be revered as our ultimate Glitter Ally King/Daddy?

Glitter Daddy Henry Ruschmann

 

Glitter in Pop Culture

As the years passed, glitter became synonymous with pop culture trends, symbolising bold self-expression and adding flair to just about everything. From the glitzy disco era in the 1970s to 1980s glam, glitter evolved from a quirky craft material to a cultural icon. Musicians like David Bowie and Prince embraced glitter as part of their stage personas, with makeup and costumes that added a sense of otherworldly sparkle to their performances. The material’s reflective and attention-grabbing qualities made it a natural fit for nightlife, fashion, and entertainment.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, glitter made another resurgence, thanks to the popularity of body glitter and shimmering makeup amongst teens and young adults. Who could forget stars like Britney and the Spice Girls who sported glitter gel and frosted eyeshadow at every event? This era solidified glitter’s association with fun, youth, and celebration, cementing its place in mainstream beauty and style.

The Queen of Sparkle Diana Ross

 

Glitter = Freedom

Glitter holds special significance within marginalised groups, particularly in LGBTQ+ communities, club scenes, and festival cultures, from Studio 54 to Pride Week. Glitter has become a symbol of defiance, joy, and identity, often used to express individuality and resilience. In LGBTQ+ spaces, it has become a tool of visibility, empowering people to break norms and embrace their true selves. Its association with nightlife and festivals extends this legacy, representing freedom, acceptance, and an atmosphere of celebration. Through these communities, glitter transcends aesthetics, symbolising pride, unity, and resistance against conformity.

 

The Environmental Toll of Glitter

While glitter has brought a lot of sparkle into our lives, it has come under scrutiny in recent years for its environmental impact. Most industrial glitter is made from microplastics, tiny particles of plastic that are difficult to break down and are known to pollute water systems. When washed off in sinks or showers, glitter often ends up in rivers, oceans, and other natural habitats, where it poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. Scientists have found evidence that microplastics, including glitter, can enter the food chain, impacting not just wildlife but potentially human health as well.

In response, eco-conscious companies like Projekt Glitter have begun exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional glitter. New versions of biodegradable glitter, made from cellulose or eucalyptus-based materials, offer an environmentally friendly option that breaks down naturally. Though still not as widely available as traditional glitter, these alternatives show a promising shift in a more sustainable direction.

Glitter Conspiracy: The Glitterati? 

The so-called “glitter conspiracy” gained traction in 2018 after the New York Times published an interview with a glitter industry insider who claimed that glitter’s largest buyer was shrouded in secrecy. Sidenote: I feel that the conspirators missed an opportunity to name their theory ‘The Glitterati’ in homage to the Illuminati conspiracy theory and the term Glitterati, which refers to a “fashionable set of people engaged in show business or some other glamorous activity” - just saying… Anyhow, this cryptic claim sparked theories, ranging from suggestions for glitter being used in boat paint to the automotive industry, military uses and hidden applications in toothpaste. The mystery captivated audiences, fueling intrigue about glitter's hidden applications and possible industrial-scale uses beyond crafts and cosmetics. This speculation highlights the wide-ranging and surprising applications of glitter today. For more, you can watch the full video here.

 

'The End of the Glitter Conspiracy'from YouTube creators CHUPPL

 

Glitter in the Digital Age: A Symbol of Joy and Rebellion

In today’s world, glitter continues to be a symbol of joy, individuality, and, sometimes, rebellion. It’s a staple at festivals, in social media makeup trends, and on red carpets, often representing unapologetic self-expression. Digital culture, too, has found ways to emulate glitter’s appeal, with filters, emojis, and graphics that convey its iconic sparkle without the need for physical particles. Glitter may be small, but its impact—across time, culture, and even ecology—is significant, offering a playful reminder of humanity’s enduring fascination with all things that shimmer.

From ancient cave paintings to biodegradable glitter of the future, this twinkling trend has proved its staying power. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that glitter has a magical allure that has captivated us for thousands of years—and is likely to keep on sparkling well into the future.