About Lampworking
How the beads are made:
People are amazed to learn that I not only make the jewelry but I actually make the beads (called Lampworking). In fact that is where my passion lies. I begin, in my home studio, by melting glass rods (Moretti or Lauscha glass) on a natural gas and oxygen run torch. I heat the glass until it has the consistency of honey. The glass blob is then wrapped around a steel rod (mandrel) which has been dipped in bead release and then dried. The glass (bead) must remain in or near the flame constantly while it is made. As the glass (bead) is heated it can be shaped then decorated. The bead can be decorated with thinner strings of glass (called stringer – also hand made), silver or copper foil, or small pieces of glass called frit or enamels. After the bead is created, which takes an average of 5–15 minutes for smaller beads (longer for larger beads/focals); it is then placed into a kiln that is preheated to 965 degrees. The beads soak and slowly cool in the kiln for at least 6 hours (this is called annealing). The process of annealing is very important to the longevity of the beads. If they have been properly annealed, they should not break even if dropped! The beads are then removed from the mandrels and the bead release is cleaned out of the holes using a dremel tool. The beads are then rinsed in soapy water, dried off and made into jewelry or just remain a miniature works of art.
About the jewelry:
I make my beads and jewelry with Tender Loving Care. For my jewelry I use only the strongest beading wire, sterling silver beads and findings and swarovski crystals. I strive for nothing but perfection in my work, especially if I am going to sell it. However, being the perfectionist that I am does not mean I am always perfect (I am human afterall). Therefore, if you ever have a problem with your jewelry or beads please feel free to call me or email me and I am more than happy to help in whatever way necessary. I want you to be 100% thrilled with your purchases.
Taking care of and cleaning your jewelry:
When you are not wearing your jewelry it is best to store it in an air tight bag. Things such as air, lotions, sweat, and hairspray all cause the silver to dirty and tarnish faster. If it does get dirty or tarnish you can polish it with a jewelers polishing cloth or dip it and rinse thoroughly in “Tarn X” (silver tarnish remover available in the grocery store). A homemade tarnisher can be made by lining a bowl with tin foil and placing a Tablespoon or 2 of Baking Soda and some warm water. Let it soak for 5 or 10 minutes and then rinse well. None of this will harm your glass beads. |
