Lampworking is an ancient art technique that, until recently, was a deeply guarded secret.

 The art was passed on only from father to son throughout the centuries.

The first instructional book was written in the early 1600’s and did not become an available in English until late1600.

The reason for that secrecy was due to the fact that beads, of all sorts, were used for trade in lieu of cash throughout the world, including Europe, Africa and even America.

In America beads were used as a commodity exchange for food, fur and even tobacco.

The purchase of Manhattan Island by the Dutch was negotiated with the exchange of wampum beads. 

The use of wampum as money, even among the English, continued until the American Revolution...

Today handcrafted beads are no longer used as a trade commodity but are greatly treasured as art pieces. Conceived in the mind of the designer, each piece is brought to life in a flame reaching 1500 degrees. Because of that technique, each bead is as individual as you are...and as special.

Lampworked glass beads can last for centuries! More than any other Art media, color retention of glass is unsurpassed. This means that they can be passed down for thousands of years and still retain their original beauty.
 Most Lampwork artists take an additional step to strengthen the glass beads by annealing them. The annealing process is done in a kiln where the beads is held at a high temperature and slowly cooled over a 12 hour period which in turn makes the beads much stronger. When the annealing process is complete, the artist carefully cleans the clay separation medium from the internal hole of the bead. This is a very important aspect of bead making. Beads that have not been cleaned can jeopardize the quality of the jewelry creations made with them by tarnishing the surrounding metal components of the piece.
The beads I offer are hand made, kiln annealed, and meticulously cleaned with the intention of providing years of satisfaction and heirloom quality.

I can not express how fortunate I feel to have had the opportunity to learn this technique. I love what I do and I hope you feel the same way.

Established November 17, 2006 for Janie’s Gems
by
Raymond Mills & Associates