Oshun
Jewelry

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Hand-crafted Artisan Lampwork

Handcrafted lampwork beads are extremely valuable pieces due to the fact that lampwork artisanry is a highly specialized field, and the skill takes much time to master. Each bead is its own independent work of art. Lampwork beads produced by reputable self representing lampworkers are kiln annealed - or placed in a preheated kiln for a specific amount of time. The temperature of the kiln must be computer regulated because a gradula cool down renders the glass beads especially strong and durable.

An alternative type of lampwork bead is made from Borosilicate glass- or Boro. Boro glass has a stronger composition than that of typically soft glass beads. Boro beads boast an additional quality of generating a magnificent spectrum of colors when light - especially sunlight - shines through them.

While the above listed beads tend to be rather expensive, it is important to underscore the inferiority of any alternative - i.e. mass produced beads imported from Asia. Beads produced in Asia generally come from sweatshops or child labor factories where the workers - many of them children - are overworked in poor and unsanitary conditions for pennies a day.

In addition, mass produced beads are not kiln annealed leaving them very compromised and likely to break, fracture, or crumble. Lampwork designers who use these beads cannot guarantee the durablility of their product, nor should they be allowed to charge standard lampwork prices for goods they purchased at much lower cost than quality lampwork beads. Consumers can and should question lampwork designers to ascertain the source and quality of beads used.