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Bead Descriptions

Abalone and Paua Shells

These types of shells can range in colour from greens and pinks, to purple and blues, and change considerably when viewed from different angles. It is made of lustrous layers of hexagonal aragonite crystals of calcium carbonate, which is secreted to form the shell. They have incredible iridescence and are brilliantly coloured, the most colourful of all being the Paua shell. Many Paua fisheries are managed with a quota system to ensure the sustainability of this natural resource.

Amber

Amber, known for its organic inclusions, is formed from the resin of now extinct coniferous trees. The resin has gone through numerous changes over millions of years, and although the fossil beaches of the Baltic Sea are often associated with the origin of Amber, they are in fact the final stop in the long journey which creates such extraordinary properties. Of all the Amber deposits in the world, the largest and most famous is the Baltic region, which holds 80% of the worlds known Amber resource. Baltic Amber deposits range between 35 – 40 million years old and are the oldest decorative substance known, varying in colour from brown, red and yellow to green.

Dichroic (Pronounced, Die-cro-ic)

Dichroic glass is used to produce high-end art beads and pendants. It has multi-layer coatings, which include metal oxides that are vacuum deposited on the glass, resulting in a surface which has a metallic sheen that changes between two colours when viewed at different angles. This material was originally made for the aerospace industry!

Glass Clouds and Hearts

These pendants are made from the highest quality imported Venetian glass, and skilfully handmade in the UK by experienced glass artists. The pendants are formed by heating the glass to over 800 degrees, brushed with silver or gold foil and then stretched in their molten state to create a continuous glass loop. The Goldstone Cloud variety have been designed by us, and created exclusively for our collection by heating the goldstone chips within the molten glass during the creation of each pendant.

Lampwork

Lampwork is an ancient technique of using a lamp or an open flame to melt glass. Each lampwork bead is individually handmade by the designer, by working the glass in its molten state around a steel or copper mandrel (thin metal tool) until the desired size and style are achieved. Once a bead is formed other colours of glass are added, to create elaborate surface decorations or designs within the bead, some designs taking 40 minutes. Artist made ‘lampwork’ glass beads are one-of-a-kind, and should be considered artwork that is wearable.

Mother of Pearl Shells

Mother of Pearl is the smooth lustrous lining in the shells of certain molluscs – for example oysters, abalones and mussels. When this layer is especially thick it can be removed and used for jewellery. All Mother of Pearl shells vary in colour between white, cream, peach and pink tones, and the dramatic Black Lip Mother of Pearl shells range in colour from light grey to black. All will have a rainbow iridescent sheen and a wide variety of colours.

Pearls

Pearls are shiny, hard and rounded abnormal growths composed of nacre (or mother of pearl), a chalky substance. Nacre is secreted by many molluscs, and deposited in thin layers on the inside of the shell around a parasite, a grain of sand, or some other irritant body. After several years of the tissue between the shell and the body mass secreting this nacre, a pearl is formed. Freshwater pearls are found growing in mussels living in lakes and streams all over the world including the USA and Europe.

Semi Precious Gemstones

Many people believe that gemstones can influence different aspects of the human body and mind by being storehouses of empowerment that are transmitted through contact with ones body. It is believed that the power of the stone can help to heal or soothe various mental, emotional and physical conditions. For more information on your chosen gemstone please see our Gemstone Descriptions section.

Sommerso Venetian Glass Beads

These Murano glass beads are individually handmade using a torch and Moretti glass rods, which are wrapped over a mandrel. Sommerso refers to the small particles of coloured glass, which are submerged beneath the top coating of transparent glass. Goldstone (or Aventurina) is small particles of suspended copper, which gives these beads their sparkle in light.

Swarovski

For over a century, Swarovski has supplied the world with the most superior crystals available, dominating the full lead crystal market. Genuine Austrian Swarovski crystals are produced using unique cutting techniques that no competitor can duplicate even today. The name of Swarovski stands for exacting workmanship and quality all over the world. In co-operation with Christian Dior, Swarovski developed Aurora Borealis, a shimmering permanent finish that is bonded chemically to the outer surface of the beads for a brilliant rainbow-like effect.

Venetian and Murano Glass Beads

Each Venetian or Murano glass bead is handmade one by one in Venice or Murano using the famous Murano glass canes from the Moretti family business (now known as Effetre Moretti). These beads are firstly made over an open flame and then carefully rolled in the 925 Sterling Silver, White Gold or 24carat Gold Foil, finally being encased in a rainbow of luscious translucent molten glass colours. Before 1000AD the furnaces which make the glass canes for bead making were located in Venice, however in 1291 all furnaces were moved to Murano and furnaces were banned in Venice. From that time on, all the canes used in producing beads have been made in Murano. The Venetian crafts people were still granted the right to make beads but now there are fewer than 300 people in Venice making beads on a daily basis, whereas Murano is home to about 5000 people, half of whom still work in the glass industry, within over 250 different glass furnaces. We source all of the beads and pendants on this website from genuine Venetian or Murano glass suppliers.