I have a particular fondness for Murano beads. There's something very special about them, maybe its their history or the way the beads are made. Or maybe its the fact that they're from Venice. When I first started, I would look for Murano beads that were in pristine condition. But as I continue to work with them, I've come to realize that there is a kind of beauty in the old beads imperfections. The various nicks and scratches they've acquired over the years add a luster that a brand new bead does not have. Its a badge of honor if you will and proof that they've been around awhile.
These particular beads are handpainted and if I'm not mistaken, there's a bit of gold foil in them. As I didn't have a lot, I decided to make a bracelet....
| A close up view of the focal bead |
| A better view of the details |