The charm of glass jewellery lies in the material's stunning variety. That magnificent variety encourages artists and jewellery designers to play as freely as only glass permits them to create. Artisans have complete control of the size, shape and colour of glass beads, turning them into tiny works of wearable art.
Glass beaded bracelets range from subtle to chic to simply sublime, so you'll find designs to suit every occasion. From the elegance of a single strand of glass pearls to the complexity of hundreds of tiny beads braided into a gorgeous tapestry of colour, glass bracelets offer an abundance of beautiful choices.
Venetian Murano Glass
While glass beaded bracelets can come from anywhere, Italy remains the heart of the art glass industry. The glassmakers of Murano, an island off the Venetian coast, have a centuries-long reputation for producing the most beautiful glass in the world. A look at the resplendent colours and intricate detail of Venetian glass bracelets explains why; these craftsmen work sorcery with glass. The gilded swirls and shifting hues of Murano glass beads make them as lovely as any precious gem. Venetian glass is a stunning accent with sleeveless silhouettes and with elbow-length sleeves.
Venetian artists have a legitimate claim as some of the world's finest glassmakers, but they aren't the only European glass artisans. Czech bead-makers also have an illustrious history of creating beautiful treasures in glass. Decorative Czech beaded jewellery dates to the 13th century. Bohemian glassmakers produced such beautiful art that the term grew into an adjective to describe the jewellery's colourful, spirited style. Modern Czech beaded glass bracelets have the same bohemian appeal that they did centuries ago. Wear a few of them at once to add interest and colour to your everyday look. Beaded bracelets in lively hues turn a pair of jeans and a jewel-toned silk blouse into date-night attire.
Glass jewellery has a venerable history, but it also works beautifully with the most modern of materials. Artisans in Venice and the Czech Republic aren't shy about combining centuries-old techniques with contemporary monofilament strands, woven metal mesh, aurora coatings and even silicone tubing. Whether you prefer the most traditional of designs or something wholly new, glass can shape itself to your unique style.
