Frequently Asked Questions
What is borosilicate glass?
Borosilicate glass is a particular type of glass commonly refered to as pyrex glass. Otto Schott first developed borosilicate glass in the late 19th century. Further developed by Corning Glass Works in 1924 this glass has unique qualities that make it a perfect choice for your glass beads. Most lampwork beads are created using "soft glass." In soft glass, soda lime particles are used in the composition of the glass. Borosilicate replaces the soda lime with boron. The boron particles are much smaller than soda lime which allows for the silicate in boro to be held together much more closely. This results in a much harder glass. We have dropped our boro beads on ceramic floors many a time to watch them bounce around happily. Borosilicate glass means stronger lasting durability for your designs.
Borosilicate glass has a very unique color palette. Alot of the colors are very reactive to the torch setting. The amount of oxygen versus propane used can yeild a variety of results from the same color rod. Boro colors tend be earthy and organic. The lighting can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the colors, they will always appear at their best in natural or bright light.
How are the beads made?
All of our loose beads are made from borosilicate glass by using a technique known as lampworking. Simply stated the glass is melted by using a torch. With this technique the designs are created while the glass is molten. After each bead is created it is placed directly into a kiln to anneal, which removes stress from the glass. Once out of the kiln the bead holes are cleaned to be ready for your jewelry designs.
What is glass fusing?
Fusing is typically done with soda lime glass, which is what we use for this technique. In fusing the designs are created while the glass is cold. Multiple pieces of glass are carefully cut, stacked and then melted together or "fused" in the kiln. After the first firing the piece is shaped by using a glass grinder and a hole is drilled so a bail or ear wire can be attached. All of our fused pieces are then sandblasted. The importance of this step is overlooked by many glass fuser's, but is essential for a quality piece. The sandblasting removes all scratches and grind marks that were created during the shaping process. This will allow more light to enter the piece and showcases the dichroic glass at it's full potential. The next step is to "fire polish" the sandblasted pieces in the kiln. Fire polishing restores the glass to it's original shine. We then attach a sterling silver bail that will compliment the design well.
What is your return policy?
Your satisfaction is very important to us. If you receive our items and are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us as soon as possible. We do not offer cash back, however we are willing to offer an exchange or credit. All returns must be delivered to us within 30 business days.
Borosilicate glass is a particular type of glass commonly refered to as pyrex glass. Otto Schott first developed borosilicate glass in the late 19th century. Further developed by Corning Glass Works in 1924 this glass has unique qualities that make it a perfect choice for your glass beads. Most lampwork beads are created using "soft glass." In soft glass, soda lime particles are used in the composition of the glass. Borosilicate replaces the soda lime with boron. The boron particles are much smaller than soda lime which allows for the silicate in boro to be held together much more closely. This results in a much harder glass. We have dropped our boro beads on ceramic floors many a time to watch them bounce around happily. Borosilicate glass means stronger lasting durability for your designs.
Borosilicate glass has a very unique color palette. Alot of the colors are very reactive to the torch setting. The amount of oxygen versus propane used can yeild a variety of results from the same color rod. Boro colors tend be earthy and organic. The lighting can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the colors, they will always appear at their best in natural or bright light.
How are the beads made?
All of our loose beads are made from borosilicate glass by using a technique known as lampworking. Simply stated the glass is melted by using a torch. With this technique the designs are created while the glass is molten. After each bead is created it is placed directly into a kiln to anneal, which removes stress from the glass. Once out of the kiln the bead holes are cleaned to be ready for your jewelry designs.
What is glass fusing?
Fusing is typically done with soda lime glass, which is what we use for this technique. In fusing the designs are created while the glass is cold. Multiple pieces of glass are carefully cut, stacked and then melted together or "fused" in the kiln. After the first firing the piece is shaped by using a glass grinder and a hole is drilled so a bail or ear wire can be attached. All of our fused pieces are then sandblasted. The importance of this step is overlooked by many glass fuser's, but is essential for a quality piece. The sandblasting removes all scratches and grind marks that were created during the shaping process. This will allow more light to enter the piece and showcases the dichroic glass at it's full potential. The next step is to "fire polish" the sandblasted pieces in the kiln. Fire polishing restores the glass to it's original shine. We then attach a sterling silver bail that will compliment the design well.
What is your return policy?
Your satisfaction is very important to us. If you receive our items and are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us as soon as possible. We do not offer cash back, however we are willing to offer an exchange or credit. All returns must be delivered to us within 30 business days.
