Glass cane is a long drawn rod of glass. Glass cane beads are very ornate and are composed entirely of colorful fused segments of glass cane. Generally handcrafted, these are high quality beads crafted by using a torch to heat the glass cane to a molten state and wrapped around a metal rod until the desired bead shape is formed. The brilliant colors and unique shapes of glass cane beads offer something for everyone.

Process
The making of glass cane beads is an ancient technique of drawing intricate patterns in hot glass and is a time consuming, difficult process. It consists of painting a very thick picture in glass. The picture can measure up to two inches thick and more than three inches wide, with the picture running the length of the glass. The picture cane is heated and when it becomes almost too soft to handle, it is stretched. The longer the stretch, the tinnier and more detailed the image becomes.

Popular Forms
Glass cane beads are available in a wonderful assortment of color and shape variations. These allow the beaders to craft exquisite necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other stunning jeweleries. Glass cane beads possess many shapes, styles and colors. The design can range from simple designs of spheres, teardrops to extensively ornate ones.