True Value in Lampwork Beads

A recent blog post by fellow bead maker Mallory really made me stop and think about the value of the beads we create.

If you have any interest in beads you have probably come across really inexpensive glass beads in your travels.

If you don’t know much about beads you might be fooled into thinking they are great value, and might also be wondering why beads such as mine are so much more expensive.  I’ll explain why!

Many of the inexpensive beads come from China where they are

• mass produced,
• created from low quality glass
• not annealed (an essential part of the process) and
• not cleaned

Each bead I create has come from thousands of hours of learning and practising.

My first torch and accessories cost approx $150

That kept me going for a little while, but I soon needed to upgrade to my present torch that uses both propane and oxygen.

New torch, Nortel Mega Minor $150

Oxygen Concentrator to create the oxygen needed $550

Hoses to hook it all up $40

Regulator for the fuel $100

Kiln!  For annealing glass $760

And we haven’t bought any glass yet!

Ventilation – $700

That is just the equipment!  Add to this the cost of fuel for the torch, electricity for the kiln and supplies such as mandrels and bead release.

Tools!!  We all need tools – prices vary from under $10 to over $100

Eye Glasses!  Needed to protect our eyes from the flame – $150

THEN comes the glass – this can range in price from $7/lb to $100/lb depending on the type !

Add to this

• time spent learning this art,
• cost of lessons which can be $200 per day
• the little bit of ‘me’ that goes into each and every one
• time spent creating and cleaning each bead by hand
• days wasted when Muse is on vacation and beads are horrific!
• other incidentals that go along with making these one of a kind pieces of wearable art

Each bead that I offer for sale is the very best of what I make. I’m very critical about what I consider to be a sellable bead and many just don’t make the cut for one reason or another.

You’ll soon realise that Lampwork beads are PRICELESS!

When you consider purchasing a bead or set of beads from any lampwork artist please take a moment and reflect on what is included in that price – you’ll soon understand why these beads are truly a remarkable value.  You are purchasing one of a kind pieces of art that can last for generations to come.