What Are Lampwork Beads?
You've heard the term, but what exactly are lampwork beads? In the broadest sense, they are beads made with a glass rod over a torch. Yet there are different kinds of lampwork -- let's explore them.
Your Basic Lampwork
Lampwork beads come from many countries. And while great lampwork can come from anywhere, there are differences, sometimes subtle, sometimes not.
In general, lampwork from Asia is rather crude (not to mention very, very inexpensive). Workers spend their days making bead after bead, usually the same design. Not a lot of thought generally goes into these beads -- it's more along the lines of produce as much as you can (mass production).
These beads are great for rainy day projects for the kids and for "throw-away" jewelry (the kind you wear a few times then discard).
Artisan Lampwork
This site really focuses on the artisan lampworkers out there. These beads are still crafted one at a time, but thought and care goes into them. You'll find many unique designs in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors.
These are the beads you want if you're making jewelry that you want to last -- and perhaps even hand down to other generations.
More About Artisan Beads
I talk more about artisan beads in another post, and how to recognize them. But for now I'll leave you with some superb examples from the best place I know for artisan beads -- ebay.
Click on any of the links to see larger photos and more information. Or, here's a link to .
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 ROA Lampwork 8 Pearl Grey 5x8 mm Spacer Glass Beads SRA  US $5.50
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 ROA Lampwork 4 Opaque Lime Ruffle Disc Glass Beads SRA US $5.98
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 ROA Lampwork 2 Dark Tsp Lime Ruffle Art Disc Beads SRA US $2.49
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