Evidence of beads have been found in the area as far back as the 8th century. In the 12th and 13th centuries there were cottage industries producing beads primarily for rosaries. Glass bead making became more of a major industry around the 1550’s, when beaded jewelry became fashionable. The 18th Century brought research and inventions essential to bead-making to bring forth serious production. Today beads from the Czech Republic can be found around the world, including remote areas of the Amazon.
I primarily get my Czech beads from Raven’s Journey. They are one of the leading suppliers of Czech glass and work directly with the artisans and craft persons in the Czech Republic. The beads come in unique shapes which include sugar skulls, horned owls, teardrops, daggers, and of course my beloved flower shapes. Beads are available in every color imaginable and have different finishes. Picasso Finish is a specific oxide of silver that is applied and baked on to the beads, it adheres and fuses to the glass giving it an organic and natural finish. The silver reacts differently with each color of glass therefore it has a range of subtle to dark. Bronze and spotty gold finishes give the beads a shiny, striking look. These finishes enhance patterns on the beads. There are many layers and processes required to create the finishes. Some larger size beads are difficult to make and can take up to four days to produce.
Many of their techniques are secretive and the artisans are trained experts in their field. They have strived to perfect and continue with new inventions and technologies. Laser Etching is on the forefront of these technologies. Different designs are laser etched onto high quality and highly polished beads. Another difficult process that takes many steps and days to produce.
Czech Beads are works of art in themselves and I am happy to bring them to you in my jewelry creations.
