Posts Tagged ‘ebay lampwork beads’
Different Kinds of Bead-Making Glass
If you've not made beads, you may be wondering about the different kinds of glass you read about. For example, borosilicate, Moretti, reactive, etc. What is the difference in the kinds of glass? Let's talk about it!
Is There a Difference?
Boro Beads "Sunfire" (Click for larger image)
There is definitely a difference when a lampworker is making a bead. For example, borosilicate ("boro") glass takes more heat and higher kiln temperatures to make the beads. On the other end of the spectrum is Check soda glass, which is almost drippy to work with (but comes in such luscious colors).
So temperature in making the beads is one thing. But what about just buying the beads -- do the various glasses make a difference? In a word - yes.
Bead Glass Colors
Here's something interesting -- some colors are really hard to produce in some types of glasses. For example, a true peach color is next to impossible in a Moretti-type glass (COE 104 for you lampwork mavens). A true pink is also hard to achieve. Not to mention a royal purple!
So one difference is color -- certain colors need specific kinds of lampworking glass. And some colors are more expensive for a lampworker to buy, which may translate into a higher price per bead or bead set.
Irridescent Beads
Irridescent Glass Bead Set (Click for larger image)
Some beads have an irridescent shine, which is sometimes referred to as an "oil slick" look. The shine can reflect one color or many colors, depending on the viewing angle.
These beads are made from what is called "silver glass". Which basically means that varying amounts of silver are included in the glass along with different color elements. And the result? Glorious!
The picture to the right demonstrates that wonderful range of metallic colors that can be achieved with silvered glass.
What About Boro?
Boro is such a different glass that it really deserves its own post. And although many of the special effects that used to be the domain of boro can now be produced with 104 COE glass, boro still has its own uniqueness.
I think that for any bead that has super-thin spots or has an organic shape, boro is the way to go. Boro is stronger than regular glass (think Pyrex), and can handle a little more wear and tear. Still, it is glass, and as glass, it can break, so keep that in mind if the glass will he handled a lot.
Different Bead Making Glass Results
While each glass type has its charms, as well as flaws, there's one thing they all have in common. And it's that the beads made from them are beautiful, each in its own right.
While I tend to favor the silvered glasses when lampworking, I love collecting beads of every sort. From plain to fancy and everywhere in between, they are miniature works of art.
And in addition to what you see below, here's a link to .
I'll leave you with some more eye candy, in the way of bead auctions. Feel free to click for larger photos.
 |
 Lagniappe Beads Powder Pink lampwork bead set 21  US $29.99
|
 albeadbebe USA Lampwork Glass Beads Pink LP62 US $.99
|
 ROA Lampwork 4 Pink Filigrana Lentil Glass Beads SRA US $8.49
|
 LMG Lampwork Beads PINK GREY SPACERS SRA US $22.00
|
 LMG Handmade Lampwork Beads PINK GREY ROUNDS SRA US $22.00
|
 albeadbebe USA Lampwork Glass Beads Pink LP99 US $.99
|
 20PCS PINK TWIST STICK LAMPWORK GLASS Beads 11x22mm US $1.99
|
 ROA Lampwork 5 Pink Filigree White Heart Beads SRA US $12.98
|
 Flower Pink Lentils HandMade LampWork Glass Beads BHV US $4.26
|
Handmade Lampwork Beads – Prices
Now that you know something about artisan handmade lampwork beads, what about prices? Sure, they are more than the mass-produced kind, but what can you expect, price-wise. Let's take a look.
And the Price Is...
I mentioned in the artisan bead post that I've seen a single bead sell for over $100. I also mentioned that most artisan beads are nowhere near that in price! That being the case, what can you expect? Let's go by bead type.
- Focal beads are generally larger than 20mm in size, which just about 7/8 of an inch. The average focal is between 25mm and 40mm. An artisan focal bead can easily go for over $100, but in general the price is between $20 and $50.
- Bead sets are made of (on average) 7 to 9 beads, but can be fewer or more. The beads can be round or in different shapes such as pillows, lentils, squares, flowers and even more shapes! Beads in sets are smaller, and tend to be between 10 and 18mm in size (naturally there are always exceptions). I've seen artisan bead sets go for over $2,000 but a more average price is between $3 and $10 per bead. So a 7-bead artisan set could cost anywhere from $21 to $70 on average.
Naturally, prices depend on the skill of the artist and the complexity of the bead. Expect to pay more for a well-known bead artist, as well as for very complex beads.
FYI, small plain round spacers (single color) tend to go for between 50 cents and $1 per bead.
Should You Buy 99 Cent Beads?
What about the $1 beads that can be found on the ebay auction site? Some bead artists start their auctions at low prices, like 99 cents, to encourage bidding. Sometimes the beads aren't bid up very much, especially for a bead artist new to ebay.
If you see an auction with a very low price that looks interesting, please read the auction details to make sure the seller is a self-representing artist. Also look for the words kiln annealed.
Yes, there are bargains to be had. Just don't pay artisan bead prices for non-artisan beads. And buy appropriately for your project. "Fun" jewelry doesn't need expensive lampwork. Heirloom-quality jewelry shouldn't use production-made lampwork.
And if you have any questions, just ask the buyer directly.
Artisan Bead Examples
One thing that continues to amaze me are the figural beads that I see on ebay. Below you can see some beads made in the form of fish that are truely awe-inspiring. But of you want more than just fish, here's a link to .
As always, click the link to see larger photos and to get more information. Have fun!
|
No items matching your keywords were found.