Are Czech seed beads good?
The Czech Republic has long-been known for producing beautiful, high-quality, glass seed beads that are perfect for modern bead embroidery.
How do you identify an antique bead?
When looking at a bead to identify its age, the following considerations are important:
- Can you see a seam?
- What sort of texture can you see?
- Is there a gloss, sheen, or other shiny element to the bead that could help to indicate its origin?
- Is there any part of the bead’s coloring or finish worn away?
How do I identify old trade beads?
Modern replicas tend to be made using moulds or glass-blowing, with the assistance of machinery. Old wound beads tend to be heavier, as the winding process utilized far greater quantities of molten glass.
Do Czech beads contain lead?
Most of Preciosa Ornela seed products are lead free, but some striped seed beads do have trace amounts of lead.
What is special about Czech glass?
Extraordinarily inventive, Czech glassmakers also cultivated their own glassmaking techniques. Among the most significant were their unique contributions to the process of molding glass to create pressed glass beads, fire-polished finishes and mass production of their products.
Are Czech beads painted?
Paint is used to color the bead around the hole. A metal center reflects the color of the bead. These seed beads have one of the most popular finishes.
How do I identify a bead?
A bright desk lamp or magnifying light will make it easier to identify patterns, textures and other identifiable markings on any bead. A jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass will help you see specific details close up.
What is a cloisonne bead?
Cloisonne Beads are Metal Beads with thin wire strips soldered onto the Bead surface to create a design. The remaining open areas are then filled with various colors of enamel, creating a truly unique and beautiful Bead.