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Question about bead types

Hello all

I'm really enjoying this group, and I've learned a great deal in my time lurking here. I'm de-lurking to ask a question about identifying types of beads.

I understand the rather obvious distinctions between lampwork glass, polymer clay and other beading media, but I'm not sure of the distinctions after that. Venetian? Millefiori? Wedding Cake? Is there an online resource that gives the definition and examples of each? I have some beads from the 1960's that I can't identify by type, and I'd like to learn what the different styles are called.

Books don't help, as this small town's library has not one single book on beads or beadworking.

Any info appreciated.

Thank you.

Alethia, The Goddess of Truth

Reply to
The Goddess of Truth
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Alethia,

There are several 'history of beads' type of books out there.

Millefiore and Wedding Cake are styles of beads. Venetian beads can, but not always, have a distinctive style. Two of the most popular styles of Venetian beads are millefiore and wedding cake (also known as fiorato). Millefiore means '1000 flowers' and it's due to the intricate flower canes that are assembled then fused together for the final piece. Fiorato usually has goldstone/aventurine stringer drizzled on the beads.

There is also a distinctive hand-blown bead style associated with Venetian beads, as well as a style that utilizes gold or silver foils beneath the glass. Check out

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for some examples.

Barbara

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There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness. (Dave Barry)

Need quality, >Hello all

Reply to
Barbara Forbes-Lyons

Alethia, Your local library should be able to get you any book you need by using Interlibrary Loan. There's one called "History of Beads" by Lois Sherr Dubin. Good luck Patti

Reply to
Patti

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