What should I consider when shopping for Lampwork Beads?
The glass bead artists of today use a variety of many different techniques to create their one-of-a-kind artwork. On a very basic level, a good bead must possess at least three technical qualities. First, it must be properly annealed to prevent later breakage. Second, it should have no sharp edges in the hole areas that can damage and wear down the stringing materials, ultimately resulting in breakage of the finished jewelry piece. Third, the bead release in the hole must be removed. Next, buy American! Mass-produced foreign lampwork beads are very prone to fracture or are otherwise of low quality overall. Look closely for lopsidedness, discoloration, tiny cracks, or unintended surface inconsistencies. For earrings, look for beads with a smaller hole, so they hang nicely on the pin. In round beads, the hole should be slightly “puckered,” not jagged or conical. If purchasing a sculptured bead, be wary of unreasonably thin extrusions that may break easily if bumped.
