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History of Glassmaking in the Czech Republic
Czech glass, also known as Bohemian glass or Bohemian crystal, is a decorative glass made in Bohemia and Silesia as far back as early Bronze Age. The history of Bohemian glassmaking began with the abundant natural resources found in the countryside. There, in early middle ages, Bohemian glassworkers discovered that combining the naturally occurring potash (potassium carbonate) with chalk created a clear colorless glass that was of better quality than the glass being made in Venice, another ancient glassmaking center. It was at that time when the term Bohemian crystal emerged for the first time in history to distinguish its qualities from the glass coming from other places. With the addition of different mineral combinations, a seemingly unending palette of colors could be achieved which set the strikingly brilliant Czech beads apart from those made anywhere else in the world. During a period of industrial revolution, Bohemia became specialized in the creation of Pressed Glass and Firepolish beads.
Pressed Glass beads are made by pressing molten glass into a ready mold, leading to the vast variety of shapes available. Firepolish beads are made from round pressed beads (druks) and then have facets cut into them by grinding wheel, then they are heated in special ovens in order to smooth out edges, giving them distinctive brilliance and shine.
Types of Beads
Cathedral Beads
The brilliant colors and beautiful metallic trim on these beads is reminiscent of the stained glass windows in the cathedrals of Europe. They are very popular for bracelets and rosaries.
Dagger Beads
Dagger Beads, also known as spear beads, are type of pressed glass bead and look marvelous when used in necklaces or earrings.
Drop Beads
Czech drop beads are very versatile shape that can add visual interest to just about any style of jewelry. They are a type of pressed glass bead with the hole drilled through the top.
Druk Beads
These are round pressed beads and are the classic style, having been produced in Bohemia for hundreds of years. These beads are produced in smaller quantities so that the color can vary from batch to batch, sometimes by a little and sometimes by a lot, so make sure to purchase all the beads you will need to finish your project.
Firepolish Beads
Firepolish beads are considered by many to be one of the most essential components for jewelry making. Faceted rounds are by far the most popular because of their classic look and brilliant sparkle. Shapes such as triangles and octagonal faceted beads are popular for vintage style jewelry.
Glass Pearls
Glass pearls are perfect for adding sophistication and elegance to any creation. These Czech glass pearls come in a variety of luscious colors.
Pressed Beads
These pressed beads come in a variety of shapes and are perfect for that whimsical creation or for adding some interesting touches to a project.
Table Cut Beads
These beads, also known as window beads, have only two large cuts, or windows, on each side, which gives them a flat, table like appearance. Many of them have a core color and an outer finish, giving them a two-tone look. These are gorgeous beads, and one of our best sellers!
Kinds of Czech Glass
Transparent - Light is clearly visible through the glass. This includes colors such as crystal/clear and other jewel tone colors.
Opaque - No light is visible through the glass. This includes colors such as jet, turquoise and white.
Opal - Translucent glass that has a cloudy, diffused appearance. Also sometimes referred to as 'milky".
Coral - Opaque glass that is not uniform in color. This glass usually has swirls of color that are either darker or lighter than the main color. Pressed beads that have indents or raised designs are popular in this glass because of its silky, three dimensional effect.
HurriCane Glass - A combination of multiple glass colors that can change appearance and swirl pattern based on the conditions at the time of pressing. Each batch is unique and very difficult to reproduce.
Finishes and Coatings
Aurora Borealis (AB) - Half coat metallic finish that adds a prismatic effect to the surface of the beads. The beads are placed in an oven where a chemical reaction between metals produces fumes that adhere to the exposed surfaces of the beads.
Marea - Same as AB but results in an orange/yellow reflection
Vitrail - Same as AB but results in a pink/green reflection
Matte - Tumbled to create a subdued look. Instead of being polished, the matte finish creates a soft appearance or glow to the bead.
Matte AB - A combination of the above coatings. The beads are first coated with an AB finish and then dipped into an acid solution to take away the shine. This process brings out the color refraction of AB finish and the rough texture of matted bead creates a mesmerizing glow and an unbelievable depth to the bead.
Luster - Durable, transparent, glossy color coating that is heat treated. These coatings are usually applied to a crystal or jet based bead. An example is Hematite.
Picasso - A luster coating that is more specled and spotty, giving the bead a natural, earthy appearance.
Coated Beads - also known as dyed beads, coatings are used to create color combinations that are usually unachievable or very expensive to produce within the glass itself.
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