Craftsman molds and creates stunning beads in incredible shapes and designs with molten glass. Blown glass beads are formed as a craftsman blows into a glass tube that has a small piece of molten glass on the end. The tube is turned over heat until the bead reaches the desired size. Each and every bead is made with care and precision to insure that it will be both unique and beautiful.

Process
The technology of blowing glass was developed at the end of the first century BC in Syria. Glass beads blowing is an art that includes even "scientific" glass blowing. The basics are to heat the glass until it softens sufficiently that it can be bent, or "blown" in much the same way as bubbles are blown with a soda straw. Of course, the "straw" is made of glass, carbon, or metal. It sounds simple enough but blown glass beads are a real craft and art form.

Knowledge Center Blown glass beads were used as a currency item in some earlier civilizations. Being hollow from inside, blown glass beads are comparatively delicate. These beads are crafted through the inflating process. Owing to the lightweight of these beads, even the largest sized beads can be used in earrings. Blown glass beads are largely made in Venice & Murano, Italy.

Popular Forms
Blown glass beads are the most popular form for making many different items. These items can include jewelry for example necklaces, bracelets, anklets and piercing. These glass beads are also popular for use on lamps, head caps and tiaras.

There are many shapes, styles and colors available in blown glass beads that can range from simple designs for example spheres, teardrops and leaves to original and obscure designs that can be indescribable.