How to Procure Glass Beads to Design Intricate Jewelry

May 27
08:08

2015

Sanjana Antony

Sanjana Antony

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If jewelry-making is your hobby or business, you are bound to have bought and used glass beads in the past. They can be used to make many extraordinary designs in jewelry-making.

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The luster and shine of beads made of glass add to the oomph factor of contemporary jewelry. Even before glass was manufactured,How to Procure Glass Beads to Design Intricate Jewelry Articles the ancient Egyptians used heating method to give a shiny look to clay beads. When glass was first invented, jewelry making took a whole new turn when glass beads were created. The transparent beauty of glass was extensively used in expensive jewelry in the past. Jewelry made of glass charms and beads were considered exotic when the glass manufacturing process was expensive. Bohemian era introduced cheap glass manufacturing process and as a result jewelry made with glass components became popular among the low income group as well.

 

Modern technology has totally revolutionized bead manufacturing industry and you can now find glass beads in different sizes, shapes, colors and patterns. You are literally spoilt for choices because you simply can't ignore the beauty of lampwork beads. Jewelry designers who are interested in creating unique jewelry are always in search of beads, charms and pendants that stand out.

 

Make your own glass beads

 

If you are truly passionate about making jewelry using glass, then it is possible to make your own glass beads. The most basic type of beads can be made using glass rods, mandrels, and torch. The basic principle is to heat the glass rod to make the glass pliable. This pliable material is then wound around a mandrel which is rubbed with wire wool. Then, you should use proper cooling method to cool the beads. During the heating process, you can add colors to make colored beads. Lampwork beads can also be created by adding decorations to premade beads of glass.

 

However, making beads at home involve a lot of work and most of your time will be spent on creating beads. It is a fun project to make your hobby interesting, but if you are interested in running a jewelry making business, you should purchase your raw materials.

 

Hunt for vintage beads

 

Modern beads are so unique and versatile, but nothing can beat the raw beauty of vintage glass beads. If you raid your attic for your grandma’s jewelry, you are sure to come across some amazing jewelry made of different types of beads. You can also visit yard sales for some vintage jewelry which can be disassembled to create modern jewelry using vintage beads. Many online stores now carry a special section for vintage beads so that you can purchase them in bulk. These may be slightly expensive because the wholesalers have to collect vintage objects.

 

Use internet to buy modern glass beads

 

Molded beads of glass in interesting shapes and sizes can be found on online wholesale stores. You can find awesome electroplate glass charms and beads in these stores. Glass pearl are now popular as these beads resemble pearl and only a learned eye can notice the difference. You can also find imitations of precious stones and gems made of glass. These can be used to create expensive looking jewelry at a very affordable price.