Loving 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.