ArtFire

Royal blue with Double Helix Aurae raised dots European charm bead style large hole handmade lampwork glass crystal slider bracelet bead

This is a special crystal shaped large hole handmade lampwork glass bracelet slider bead. I made it using the rich and beautiful color of transparent royal blue, heated it up to a glowing orange, waited for a quick cool down and pressed it into this beautiful crystal bead. Then I added some silver rich Double Helix Aurae glass raised dots on the corners of the bead and gave them a bright metallic shine as well as some melted in dots beside the raised dots. They are harder to see but give that same metallic shine. These European charm style beads are stylish and will fit on most chains and cords. Add it to your favorite bracelet and slip it onto your black leather necklace! It is a great way to build on your accessories while creating the mood of your wardrobe.

Qty: 1
Measures approximately 19mm x 10mm
Hole Size 5mm

Handmade lampwork bead that will fit most European charm bead style bracelets and necklaces. These slider beads will fit most chains, cords, silk and ribbons. This glass bead is easily interchangeable. Slip it off of your bracelet and onto your necklace. Try it on a black leather necklace to total change the look.

Price is for bead only - bracelet and/or sterling silver beads, charms or necklaces not included. Other photos are for visual examples only.

All lampwork glass beads are handmade by me, Covergirlbeads glass artisan, Charlotte Hayes. My handmade beads are made one at a time in my studio along the Texas gulf coast. I'm also a handmade jewelry artisan and handcraft my jewelry designs one at a time so care and love are given to each piece.


TAKE PRIDE AND BUY HANDMADE

Support your worldwide and local artisans. Buy handmade! You'll be getting unique beads, jewelry and handcrafted items that only a few will ever own. Some items are even one of a kind!


SHIPPING

I use domestic shipping with delivery confirmation and ship internationally at reasonable rates. International buyers are responsible for any and all customs duties, taxes, vat or any other expense that may be added to your package entering your country.


LAMPWORK - THE PROCESS OF MELTING GLASS

I melt glass using my Carlisle mini cc torch winding it onto a mandrel (metal rod) that has been dipped in bead release (a silica based clay) to prevent the glass from sticking to the mandrel.

I use a variety of Moretti/Effetre Italian glass, Vetrofond, Lausha, CIM, Double Helix, Reichenbach, Bullseye, and TAG glass. I also use CZ cubic zirconias, dichroic glass, .999 fine silver, copper, silver leaf, gold leaf and palladium to add interesting designs and create elegant to organic styles of beads. After forming the bead, it is placed in the kiln to go through the annealing process.


ANNEALING

Annealing is a MUST. It is the process where I place my beads in my preheated digitally controlled Glass Hive kiln and allow them to rest for several hours in a glowing heat bath until the glass is the same temperature all over. This relieves stress in the bead. Then the temperature is slowly ramped down overnight until the beads are completely cooled to room temperature. This process takes hours and adds strength and durability to each bead. BEADS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANNEALED HAVE A GREATER CHANCE OF CRACKING DUE TO STRESS AND THERMAL SHOCK.


CLEANING

Cleaning the bead release out of the hole is very important. I use an electric dremel with a diamond bit to clean each bead individually. Clean bead holes make for a nicer construction for artisans to assemble their jewelry. If you will inspect the cheap imports, you will notice they are filled with bead release and you should question whether or not they were kiln annealed. Always buy handmade!


PHOTOGRAPHY

Numerous pictures are taken in an effort to get just the perfect photo for you to view. This is can be very time consuming but worth every minute to ensure you see quality photos. Sometimes beads can be very stubborn and nearly impossible to show their true beauty.


Member of Self Representing Artists SRA #H98

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