Murano glass beads are manufactured using the finest Murano glass. Since medieval times, Murano (a cluster of islands near Venice, Italy) has been famous for artisan glass created by skilled Italian glassblowers. This well-guarded craft has been handed down from generation to generation. Today tourists from all over the world visit Murano in order to learn more about this highly specialized trade. Murano bead-making begins by using Murrine (colored glass canes) composed of silica (a derivative of sand or quartz) and other elements. The production of these colored canes is a significant challenge because the process involved in color fabrication must be done with total accuracy.

Most Murano glass art is made by using a complex lamp-working technique. This method, invented by a Murano glass-master in the 1700′s, involves heating the glass at a high temperature until it becomes liquid. Before the liquid glass cools and completely solidifies (in a semi-soft state) the delicate process of shaping the bead begins. The artist wraps the material around a metal rod until the ideal shape is achieved. Several layers of colored glass and/or gold/silver leaf are often used to produce the desired effect. After the bead is cooled, it is removed from the rod which produces a hole for eventual stringing. The end result is an extraordinary glass bead decorated with swirls, stripes, flowers, polka dots, etc.

Silverado Murano glass beads have a seamless sterling silver core that is threaded. The threaded core keeps the bead on the European-style bracelet. Murano glass beads are a beautiful way to decorate Silverado bracelets and necklaces – stop by Beaded Royalty today and check them out!