Lampwork Jewelry

The origins of Lampworking date back to the days before gas torches.  Then, wax or oil lamps were used to heat small pieces of glass and form them into beads or figures.  Today, Lampworking refers to a much more involved process, but in basic terms still describes the technique of melting glass rods or tubing in a flame.  

The jewelry listed below all incorporates these lampworked, hand-made glass beads in their design.  Often different colours and effects on the beads are produced by blending molten glass or applying different sizes of ground glass.  Additionally, silver, gold or copper leaf is used, or even silver or copper wire, to decorate or embellish the beads themselves.  

Bear in mind that each bead is lovingly and painstakingly crafted by hand, which means that no two beads will ever be identical.  This also ensures that every piece of jewelry is truly a unique, one-of-a-kind item!

Each bead is kiln annealed to relieve the internal stresses within the glass, ensuring its durability.  Although surprisingly strong, some care should be taken with the items because, after all - they are made of glass!