What are Lampworked Glass Beads?

 

   Lampwork is an ancient technique of using a flame to melt glass. It involves the process of melting glass in a hot flame on a steel mandrel. (The mandrel is first coated with a bead release agent so the finished bead will come off easily after annealing). The molten glass is wound around the mandrel until the desired size and style are achieved. The flame used to melt the glass is produced by mixing gas, either natural or propane, and oxygen. Thus the flame produced is hot enough to melt glass. A torch is the primary tool for the flame. 

   Once a bead is formed and the artist is finished with the actual creation process there are several more steps involved before the bead is ready to be used in fine jewelry. The bead is then placed in a kiln to start the annealing process. Annealing is the process of bringing down the temperature of the glass very slowly. Annealing makes a glass bead very strong and durable.

   When a bead is taken out of the kiln it is still on the steel mandrel. The cooled bead is soaked in water to soften the bead release agent. Once the bead is removed the holes are cleaned and filed.

   Artist made Lampworked glass beads are one of a kind, and should be considered artwork that is wearable. No two beads are identical. If you own lampworked beads in jewelry you can be sure that you own a one of a kind piece of jewelry - an heirloom for your family.

   What you are NOT getting are the mass produced glass beads that are imported. These beads are usually not annealed and are very weak and prone to cracking and breakage.

   Also, lampworked glass beads are not "blown glass", this is a different technique entirely.

   All of the lampworked beads I use are handcrafted in the United States or Canada by glass artisans, who utilize a high level of safety in their lampwork process.     

 

 
This is a red-hot bead still on the mandrel.  See the release agent (appears white on the mandrel).  Also notice the different colors of glass rods.

 

 
The lampworker wears special goggles while making beads.  Not only is this for safety, but she can see the bead without the bright yellow glare that we see here.