Pressed Glass Beads

Pressed glass beads are becoming increasingly popular because of their versatility and limitless possibilities.  This category not only includes the basic necessity bead shapes such as druks, daggers, rondells, and drops; but also unique, abstract, and novelty shapes as well.  We have well over 1,500 inventoried shapes to choose from, not including the different sizes available per shape!  Plus there are over 800 commonly used glass colors to combine with the hundreds of coatings, lusters and metallic finishes available.  Literally millions of combinations are possible!  New technology in glass making has made it possible to combine glass colors in new and innovative ways.  HurriCane glass, for example, is the combination of multiple glass colors that change appearance and swirl patterns based on the conditions at the time of pressing.  Each batch is unique and very difficult to reproduce. 

Firepolish

Fire polished beads are considered by many to be one of the most essential components for jewelry making.  The Czech bead makers are famous for their exquisitely crafted yet relatively inexpensive faceted beads. 

The Czech region of Bohemia has been the center of bead making and has led the glass bead industry for hundred of years because of its quality fire polished styles.  Faceted rounds are by far the most popular because of their timeless look and sparkle.  Classic, more stylized shapes such as cathedral beads, triangles and octagonal facetted beads are popular for vintage style jewelry and rosaries.  There are many new fire polished shapes being created such as donut firepolish and renaissance firepolish.  There are also vintage styles reemerging into the market such as rosebud firepolish and fluted firepolish.

Faceting Firepolish

Facets - flat, polished surfaces

To make fire polished rounds, the manufacturer starts with round pressed beads (druks).  The beads are sifted onto a pronged board that is then fed into a faceting machine which angles the beads onto a grinding wheel.  After all sides of the beads have been faceted their surface looks rough and matted.  The polished finish is attained by laying the beads on a conveyer belt that feeds them into an extremely hot oven.  The beads are heated to the point that their surfaces begins to melt, creating a naturally shiny finish.

Finishes

Aurora Borealis (AB) - 1/2 coat metallic finish that adds a prismatic effect to the surface of the bead.  The beads are placed in an oven where a chemical reaction between metals produces fumes that adhere to the exposed surfaces of the bead.  Usually this coating is only applied to one side of the bead; however there are some shapes, such as the Nouveau Brocade Discs, that can easily be coated on both sides for a more dramatic effect.

Marea - Same process as AB but results in a primarily orange/yellow reflection.

Vitrail - Same process as AB but results in a primarily pink/green reflection.

Matte - Tumbled to create a subdued look.  The surface texture of a bead depends on the length of time it is tumbled.  Instead of being tumble polished to a bright shine, the matte finish creates a soft appearance or glow to the bead.  Throughout the tumbling process the surface alternates from being matted to polished and it is up to the manufacturing experts to calculate the perfect tumbling time.  The matted effect can also be created by dipping the beads into an acid solution.  This is the preferred method when creating matte AB finishes or working with delicate beads such as lampwork.

Matte AB - A combination of the above coatings.  The beads are first coated with an AB finish and then dipped into an acid solution to take away the shine.  This combination brings out the prismatic color refraction of the AB finish and the rough texture of the matted bead creates a mesmerizing glow and an unbelievable depth to the bead.

Luster -   Durable, transparent, glossy color coating on glass beads that is heat treated like a glaze.  These coatings are usually applied to a crystal or jet based bead; however there are limitless combinations that are becoming increasingly popular.  On light beads a luster coating may add only a subtle hint of color, whereas dark beads may have the complete opposite effect. Some examples include:

Vega (E9008) - Siam Ruby based bead with a luster transparent amethyst coating

Hematite (14400) - Jet based bead with a clear luster coating

Luster Opaque Rose/Gold Topaz (P65491) - This bead looks like an opaque pink bead with a gold luster but it is actually an opaque white based bead with Luster Rose/Gold Topaz.

Picasso - A luster coating that appears more speckled and spotty; giving the bead a natural, earthy appearance.  The color can vary from light yellow to dark brown with underlying color variations.  Some base bead colors, such as opaque beige, blue or white allow the picasso finish to take on a raku pottery look.

Coated Beads - Also known as dyed beads, these coatings are generally used to create unique shades and dual-tone color combinations that are usually unachievable or expensive to produce within the glass.  Although historically they are not as durable as lusters or other finishes, they are gaining in popularity around the world.  With proper care and when used in the ideal conditions, these beads will stay shiny and brilliant for years to come.  Beads we carry that are coated include the following:

Glass pearls - Alabaster white beads coated with a nitro-cellulose lacquer with pearl pigments.

Our pearl coated bead line has many shapes and colors that are an inexpensive and fashionable alternative to real pearls.   Some of the variations include:

Glazed - Jet based beads with a thick and creamy coating.

Opalescent - Crystal based beads with a thick and creamy coating.

Metallic - Jet based pearls

Pearl Lights - Transparent, crystal based beads with the same nitro-cellulose lacquer finish as regular pearls.  These beads look similar to regular pearls in low light, but have a saturated glow in bright light; producing a youthful, sophisticated style that is gaining in popularity.

Mirror Beads - Crystal beads with a 1/2 silver finish and coated with a brilliant color.  Beads with this finish are also called "Las Vegas Beads" or even "Mardi Gras Beads".