Frequently Asked Questions regarding Murano Glass Beads.

Below are some questions which we frequently receive regarding Venetian and Murano Glass Beads. If there are other questions you have on our Venetian Glass beads or Murano Glass Beads, please submit your question through the Contact Us at the top of each page.

What is the difference between Venetian Beads and Murano Beads?
There is no difference. The glass used to make the beads originates in Murano. However, Venetian Glass has been used to describe the glass coming from Murano for centuries and since Venice is much more widely known than the island of Murano, people continue to refer to it as Venetian Glass, Venetian Jewelry. So beads and jewelry made from beads produced in Murano are sold in the stores in San Marco (the famous square in Venice) as Venetian Glass. It's a matter of marketing terms and that Venice is much wider known than Murano.

What are the beads made of?
They are made of glass which is about 70% silica (sand). Venetian beads are made from a type of glass known as soda glass with a COE of 90 degrees which is a measurement of the expansion in heating and cooling. The beads start with glass rods which have been made in Murano. All of our beads are made from the famous Moretti Canes who make filigrana canes, millefiori canes and the solids and translucent colors (now Effetre Industriale).

Why are they priced per bead?
Our beads are priced individually as we find people like the freedom to choose the number of beads they purchase. In some cases, where we specify a quantity, they will be sold according to the quantity indicated.

Will they break easily?
Think of marbles you may have played with as a child. The round beads are quite sturdy. The longer skinny beads and shapes which have points are more delicate. As with all jewelry its' best to treat it gently and since it is glass, it can break.

How big are the holes?
Traditionally the size of the holes are quite small, usually measuring less than 1mm. This is similar to the size of holes in pearls. Some of the larger beads will have a slightly larger opening. By special order (in quantities over 1000 pieces) we can have beads produced with larger holes. Our line of Pandora style and large hole beads run about 5mm. We produce these on steel mandrels to maintain the shape of the hole throughout.

Are all beads made on copper mandrels?
Today most of the production Venetian beads are made on the copper mandrel. However, the copper mandrel was introduced in Murano in the 1920s by the Moretti family and introduced as a cost saver to the industry. Prior to the "discovery" that they could etch out the copper mandrels, the beads had been produced exclusively by the use of metal mandrels coated with a white paste which is still used today for some beads, mostly silverfoil beads or gold exteriors which can be burned by the Nitric Acid. (And Americans thought they invented bead release!)

It was considered at the time to be revolutionary as it required no preparation and of course there were no environmental laws at the time. The beads which are made on copper require etching with Nitric Acid to dissolve the copper and with todays environmental laws, the equipment has become more expensive.

Today in the School of Glass on Murano, they use the stainless steel mandrels and bead release produced in the US to teach. We regularly carry bead release to Venice some of our lampworkers use as we use the stainless steel when we work with samples as we can make the beads and have them ready to try without waiting for the acid.

Are all Murano Glass beads Annealed?
The production beads are usually placed in vermiculite after flash annealing (an annealing process in the flame) to cool down slowly. Annealing ovens are used on some of the larger pieces and all our lampwork beads are annealed. The lampwork beads generally have more intense workmanship and take longer to produce. In production beads, you expect some breakage but our more expensive lampwork beads, must be annealed as they may take up to 45 minutes to make one bead while a production bead is made within a minute or two.

Why are the beads different?
Mainly because they are not made by machine and human made products always reflect the slight variances. As with all articles made by hand, the sizes and shapes will vary. It depends on so many variables, they are all within a range, but no two will ever be exactly alike. This is simply not possible with handmade lampworked beads. These variations are not imperfections or rejects, simply that they are made by hand.

Why is it called lampwork?
Answer: It is called lumè in Italian and means that the beads were worked over a flame. Today the flame is supplied by natural gas to generate the heat required to melt the glass. Many traditional beadmakers continue to use the gas alone, while some have acquired newer torches which mix gas and oxygen to produce a higher heat. Different heats are required to make certain beads. Our section called "Lampwork" are made at a heat of about 200 degrees hotter as it allows for detail work, while the beads such as our fish beads and beads with gold exterior require a lower heat so to prevent burning of the gold.

How do you care for the glass beads?
Because the process of making beads is essentially a chemical process, it's best to give the beads a good bath before working with them. This way you will assure that there is no residue left on the beads. This also makes them sparkle and shine. Soap and water work quite well for glass to clean it. No need for stronger solutions.

Why are there rough edges around some of the holes and how can I fix this?
The beads are handworked on a mandrel. Sometimes little bits of glass extend onto the mandrel, known as "stringers" this is a natural occurrence. A beaders helper - a small round file - available through most beading stores will help you rub the edges to prevent them from cutting your threat. Or use a little very fine sandpaper (400), but be sure to keep the bead wet while sanding it or you will loose the shine.

What is considered normal variation in Murano Glass Beads?
It is best to demonstrate some of the variations in Venetian Beads, please click on the link to see Bead Variations. It is normal for some gold to extend on the outside of the beads, picturing that a round bead is rolled in the foil then the shape is formed, and that in trying to keep the gold foil from the outside, it is also possible that the gold or silver foil does not extend to the complete end of the bead. The ends of the beads whether they be cubes, squares, tubes, hearts or ovals are subject to having an uneven ending. We recommend, bead reamers and very fine sandpaper to smooth these off. Then of course beadcaps can hide the uneven endings.

Will the sharp edges of the bead cut my thread?
Like pearls, the edges of the bead are sharp and can eventually cut cotton or silk thread, and especially the stretch cords. Wires with plastic coating outside are more sturdy and less likely to be cut. This is probably why the traditional method of stringing beads in Venice is like pearls with individual knots between each bead, that way if one cuts, you do not loose the entire strand.

Can I special order beads?
We do special orders and generally we can produce any bead shape we carry in any of the decorations we produce. Special orders are only made in manufacturing quantities (2,000 minimum) due to the amount of coordination required to produce the beads. Special orders require up to 3 months for production. You will be provided a sample for approval and thereafter there are no cancellations or returns of special orders. A 50% deposit is required at approval of the sample.

Do you have a printed catalog?
We do not have a printed catalog. We receive beads weekly and they are added to the web as quickly as possible. We also sell out of beads weekly and remove them from the web. While we know that everyone enjoys a catalog to sit and look at the beads, it is impossible for us to keep one current due to the overwhelming popularity of the beads.

Can you tell me where you buy beads?
Sorry, this is company proprietary information. We have spent about 15 years developing our team of beadmakers. As you might imagine, this has been a costly as well as lengthy process. We have more than 40 different beadmaking teams (pendants/specialty products). Many of our beadmakers speak no English and some only the local dialect. So in addition to developing sources, we have spent considerable time learning the languages. Some of our products have taken over 2 years from concept to production. We work very hard to bring you the best of Venetian and Murano beads.

Can I visit a bead factory in Venice?
Currently there are no beadmaking facilities open to the public in Venice or Murano. Most of the work is done in small facilities, few of the beadmakers speak English, and there is no room for tours. You can, however, visit demonstration glass factories to wath glass being blown (usually a small horse or other animal), which can be found all over Murano or your hotel can arrange tours for you. We invite you to view our short film clip from an actual studio in Venice where you can see how the beads are made.

What is the composition of Venetian (Murano) Glass?
Murano Glass, which includes the canes from Effetre Moretti are Soda-Lime Glass. Soda-lime glass is primarily used for everyday items decorative and utility such as our beads, sculptures, drinking glasses, and window glass. It contains mainly these three ingredients: approximately 60-75% silica, 12-18% soda, and 5-12% lime.

Murano Glass Beads do NOT contain any lead.

____________________________________________________________

California Prop 65 (The below provided by Swarovski™ relating to the settlement by the lead manufacturers in the 1990s.)

Attention California residents. Proposition 65 Warning:
Consuming foods or beverages that have been kept or served in leaded crystal products or handling products made of leaded crystal will expose you to lead-a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receipt.

(Please note this relates only to Swarovski Crystal sales to California residents and is due sole to concern over the lead content in the crystals. This does not negate our 15 day return policy stated elsewhere.)