Murano Beads

Murano Beads originate from the island of murano which is off the coast of venice italy. Murano beads are made using the same methods as used in creating murano glass, of which there are many.

Murano master Glass makers will use various techniques depending on the required result. Different chemical compounds are added to achieve different colours. For example to achieve an aquamarine colour the glass maker will add copper and cobalt to the manufacturing process. To create ruby red he or she would add a gold solution colouring agent. Various materials are used to create the famous murano glass colours. Once the colouring agents are added the glass worker will create coloured canes of glass which are used in making murano glass. Murano beads are usually made using a method called lampworking, or wound lampworking. Also the torch and mandrel technique. these techniques originated in murano in the 18th century.

Murano Beads are very time consuming to create as each bead is made individually. Glass tubes are made and when in a molten state they are wrapped around metal rods and formed into the required shapes. Different colour glass can then be layered to create the desired effect. The rods are then cooled and the glass is removed from the rods. A hole from where the rods were are formed which is where the beads can be strung. There are many other forms of beads including, Chevron beads, Rosetta beads, Millefiori beads, Lace beads, Ventian blown beads, among others.