Lampwork Beads

The name comes from oil lamps used in seventeenth century Italy. Blowing into the flame with a small pipe makes just enough heat to form this type of glass. Glass-working skills like this originated from the Syrians around 1700 BC, and the Romans at the turn of the first millennium. Today, lampworkers use an oxygen torch, but the technique to form the glass is the same. It is thought lampwork beads bring success because they support their owner's efforts, overcoming mistakes and problems - and some say they can control emotion, healing bad feeling and aid creativity.