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.