Venetian Beads

Collectables -> Collectibles -> Beads

VenetianVenetian beads are a special kind of bead imported from areas of Venice and Murano. These beads are often called Murano glass beads. The special glass used to make these beads is manufactured on the island of Murano, and the beads themselves are handmade. This gives them a charm and craftsmanship unmatched by an type of mass-produced beads or glasswork.

The chief danger in purchasing Venetian beads is that the seller is misrepresenting the beads. Some people have fallen into the trap of calling any kind of glass beads Venetian or Murano, which is shame because these beads have qualities that set them apart. The methods of producing the beads is so vastly different, in part because each on is handcrafted, that there’s simply no comparison between regular glass beads and Venetian ones.

There are different types of beads that fall under the umbrella of Venetian beads and can help you distinguish them from plain glass. Sommerso beads have a variety of colors suspended within them in tiny flecks. Millefiori beads are also called lace or mosaic beads, and are one of the most popular types of beads, that feature a design within the bead. Often the designs are very intricate, but even plain designs are beautiful. The solid color glass is essentially wrapped around a Millefiori cane which bears the design. These beads are kaleidoscopic and are sometimes also known as thousand flowers.

Fiorato or fiore beads. These beads feature flower designs on the outside of the bead, rather than designs with the beads themselves, like the Millefiori beads. These Venetian beads require a great deal of artistry and skill because the flowers are essentially drawn on with lines of molten glass.

Foil beads are Murano glass beads that are rolled onto sheets of gold or silver foil which is then melted into the bead. Blown Beads are Venetian beads that are made in a Murano glass furnace and created with a glassblowing pipe. These beads come in a variety of shapes and designs. Dichroic beads look different from every angle and in every night because of the coating used on the bead.

Lampwork beads might sound like a type of bead you’ll find on a lamp, but it’s merely a term that means the beads were worked while over a flame. This is the most ancient way of making Venetian beads, done as it had been since the beginning. Furnace glass beads are made by glass blowing but with a more modern type of glass than other types of beads.

Venetian beads are popular in jewelry making and crafts, and much of the appeal of these beads is that no two will ever be alike simply because they are handcrafted. Even Millefiori beads, which are created by shaping glass around a cane that features a solid design, will have differences. While the design cane is uniform all the way through, the handcrafting of the glass and shaping of it will have variations, even if the artisan attempts to make them all exactly alike.

Originally posted 2008-11-18 05:00:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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