For more than 5,000 years, decorative glass beads have been in existence. In fact, it is one of the most ancient forms of art known to mankind. Archaeological evidence points to its earliest existence in Mesopotamia as early as 2340 B.C. With the discovery of fire came various methods to create these tiny ornaments, such as "core-forming," which used a metal mandrel with pieces of glass held over a flame. As the glass warmed and softened, the bead makers would wrap it around the mandrel, creating intricate beads.
Considered valuable, the beads were often preserved by its owners, even to death. For instance, glass beads have been discovered in an Iraqi burial tomb, dating from 1400 B.C. Other cultures which have supported bead making through the centuries also include Egypt and India .
Without doubt, the most famous culture to sustain and expand the art of bead making is Venice , who is famous for its Murano beads. Specifically, these tiny glass ornaments are created on Murano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon. In 1291, the glassmakers of Venice were ordered to move their foundries to Murano due to fear of fire destroying Venice 's mostly wooden buildings.
Here, the industry was elevated to completely new levels. Glassmakers enjoyed prominence within the society, associating with Venice 's most affluent families. However, their status came with a high price: glassmakers were forbidden to leave the Venetian Republic . If they did take a risk in leaving, they faced death if caught. Venice was very serious about protecting its glassmaking secrets.
This closed-door policy on the art form allowed Murano to develop a monopoly in the industry for centuries to come. It also allowed glassmakers to refine and develop many techniques which are used in some of the most beautiful necklaces, earrings and charm bracelets designed today.
Glass Bead Techniques
Through the centuries, a variety of techniques have been created elevating the tradition of bead making to new heights. Following are the various techniques used to produce beads in Venice :
Rosetta or Chevron
First produced in Murano in the 14 th century, the Rosetta or Chevron bead are composed of multiple layers of colored glass which are consecutively laid over a star-shaped mold or cane. Typically, four to seven layers of the colored glass are applied, after which the glass bead is drawn out to the desired thickness. Once it cools, the glass is cut into short segments and the ends ground to display the chevron pattern. This production method increased the quantity of beads which could be sold.
Millefiori or Lace Beads
The distinctive Millefiori beads are created in a way similar to Chevron beads, except that a wider use of color is employed and the cane is completely solid, rather than hollow.
Lampwork or Wound Beads
Lampworking became widely practiced in Murano in the 14 th century. It requires a gas-fueled torch to melt rods and tubes of clear and colored glass. Glassmakers carefully blow and shape the glass using a variety of tools and hand movements. The creation of these beads is also referred to as "wound" because the melting glass is wound over a mandrel. This method is considered the most time consuming of all beadmaking techniques, as each bead is formed individually.
Venetian Blown Beads
The introduction of the lampwork flame allowed beadmakers to develop a way to melt the canes and then blow the glass. The spiral or stripped beads or beads are produced with the Filigree method where the canes of glass are laid down and picked up with a blow pipe.
From Age-Old Tradition to Today's Hottest Jewelry Trends
Murano's colorful beads are being used today by jewelry designers in engaging and whimsical ways. The famous charm bracelets from Denmark feature an endless variety of Murano glass beads in dazzling colors and patterns. From polka dots and flowers to swirls and stripes, the age-old tradition of glass bead making is finding its way around the wrist of women across the world in these unique charm bracelets.
Designed to reflect the unique personality of the wearer, the charm bracelets are created with a patented threaded system which allows a woman to change the beads and charms as she chooses. Beads move gracefully and rotate slightly with the arm's movement, evoking an eye-catching effect. It's safe to say that the beauty of this ancient art form still resonates with people today the world over.
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Considered valuable, the beads were often preserved by its owners, even to death. For instance, glass beads have been discovered in an Iraqi burial tomb, dating from 1400 B.C. Other cultures which have supported bead making through the centuries also include Egypt and India .
Without doubt, the most famous culture to sustain and expand the art of bead making is Venice , who is famous for its Murano beads. Specifically, these tiny glass ornaments are created on Murano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon. In 1291, the glassmakers of Venice were ordered to move their foundries to Murano due to fear of fire destroying Venice 's mostly wooden buildings.
Here, the industry was elevated to completely new levels. Glassmakers enjoyed prominence within the society, associating with Venice 's most affluent families. However, their status came with a high price: glassmakers were forbidden to leave the Venetian Republic . If they did take a risk in leaving, they faced death if caught. Venice was very serious about protecting its glassmaking secrets.
This closed-door policy on the art form allowed Murano to develop a monopoly in the industry for centuries to come. It also allowed glassmakers to refine and develop many techniques which are used in some of the most beautiful necklaces, earrings and charm bracelets designed today.
Glass Bead Techniques
Through the centuries, a variety of techniques have been created elevating the tradition of bead making to new heights. Following are the various techniques used to produce beads in Venice :
Rosetta or Chevron
First produced in Murano in the 14 th century, the Rosetta or Chevron bead are composed of multiple layers of colored glass which are consecutively laid over a star-shaped mold or cane. Typically, four to seven layers of the colored glass are applied, after which the glass bead is drawn out to the desired thickness. Once it cools, the glass is cut into short segments and the ends ground to display the chevron pattern. This production method increased the quantity of beads which could be sold.
Millefiori or Lace Beads
The distinctive Millefiori beads are created in a way similar to Chevron beads, except that a wider use of color is employed and the cane is completely solid, rather than hollow.
Lampwork or Wound Beads
Lampworking became widely practiced in Murano in the 14 th century. It requires a gas-fueled torch to melt rods and tubes of clear and colored glass. Glassmakers carefully blow and shape the glass using a variety of tools and hand movements. The creation of these beads is also referred to as "wound" because the melting glass is wound over a mandrel. This method is considered the most time consuming of all beadmaking techniques, as each bead is formed individually.
Venetian Blown Beads
The introduction of the lampwork flame allowed beadmakers to develop a way to melt the canes and then blow the glass. The spiral or stripped beads or beads are produced with the Filigree method where the canes of glass are laid down and picked up with a blow pipe.
From Age-Old Tradition to Today's Hottest Jewelry Trends
Murano's colorful beads are being used today by jewelry designers in engaging and whimsical ways. The famous charm bracelets from Denmark feature an endless variety of Murano glass beads in dazzling colors and patterns. From polka dots and flowers to swirls and stripes, the age-old tradition of glass bead making is finding its way around the wrist of women across the world in these unique charm bracelets.
Designed to reflect the unique personality of the wearer, the charm bracelets are created with a patented threaded system which allows a woman to change the beads and charms as she chooses. Beads move gracefully and rotate slightly with the arm's movement, evoking an eye-catching effect. It's safe to say that the beauty of this ancient art form still resonates with people today the world over.
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