Different Types of Glass Beads

Glass beads have been around for a long time. If you look back in history, you will find that these beads were in use during the Roman and Egyptian times. Glass is a popular material when it comes to bead making. There are different types of beads made out of glass to choose from in jewelry design. Some good examples of beads made from glass are cat-eye beads, lampwork beads, dichroic beads, and Venetian beads among others.

Cat eye beads

Cat eye beads are also known as fiber-optic beads. These beads are valued by jewelry designers because they capture and reflect light in a special way. When light passes through cat eye beads, it forms a band of light that makes the beads glow just like cat’s eyes. Cat eye beads are available in a variety of colors and shapes, and they make beautiful jewelry pieces.

Venetian glass beads

Venetian beads are also called Murano beads. The Venetian beads get their name from their origin. The first place they were manufactured was in Venice, Italy. However, due to logistical problems, the manufacturers moved the bead factories to an Island known as Murano and the beads started being referred to as Murano beads. Hence, these beads can either be referred to as Venetian or Murano beads. Venetian beads are quite popular in jewelry making because they make striking jewelry pieces.

Lampwork beads

Lampwork beads are beads made from glass that are handmade using a process known as lampworking. In lampworking, glass rods are melted, and the molten glass shaped into beads. The name lampwork comes from the fact that in the past when making lampwork beads the glass rods were melted using heat from lamps. Lampwork beads are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and they make beautiful jewelry.

Dichroic beads

Dichroic beads get their name from the fact that they are two-colored beads. These beads get their name from two Greek words; “di” meaning two and “chroma” meaning color. These beads are valuable because of their multicolored properties with their rainbow swirling patterns similar to what you see on soap bubbles. Dichroic beads make amazing jewelry pieces that are beautiful, affordable and colorful.

Use beads made from glass in creative projects

These are just a few examples of the beads made from glass available in the market. Apart from making jewelry, glass beads can be used in home decor, crafts projects, and embroidery. For example, you can use beads from glass to decorate pull chains. Another favorite way of using beads in décor is on light fixtures such lamps and candlesticks because they reflect light very well. You can also use these beads to embroider pillow cases and clothes.

Buy your beads online

Glass beads are available online at affordable prices.  The advantage of purchasing beads online is that it’s easy as you can do it from the comfort of your workshop or home. There is a wide variety of bead made from glass available online at affordable prices. So why not order your beads today!