There are several options when it comes to what type of glass bead you would like in your pendant. Take a look at the examples below before placing an order. Remember that since everything is made to order, you can customize every detail of this pendant. If you have an idea that differs from what you see below, feel free to contact me and ask.
Simple
This pendant begins with a solid color background with the ashes gathered over it. Then a layer of clear glass is added to encase the ashes and magnify them. All of the samples made in the Color section are this style of bead. The ashes can be applied in a thicker layer with lots of larger fragments or in a thinner layer which changes the overall look of the piece. Don’t be afraid to specify if you have a preference when you place an order.
Flurry
This bead is similar to the Simple bead shown above. It also begins with a solid color background. Then the ash is picked up in some clear glass and twisted and mixed within it. This mixture is applied to the colored background followed by another layer of clear glass to encase and magnify the design. The main difference between it and the previous bead is that the ash is scattered throughout the clear rather than laying directly on the colored backing. This creates a flurry of ash inside like a frozen snow globe.
Spiral
This is where things get more interesting. Rather than begin with the background color, I start with the clear glass that will be the front of the pendant and shape it into a cone. Next, lines of ash and an accent color are drawn on top of the clear cone and melted in. Then by grabbing the end of the cone and twisting the glass the spiral pattern is created. The background color is applied and shaped after that. Finally, I turn the whole piece around and shape and finish the front of the pendant. This bead takes a bit more time, but the results care beautiful.
Twisted
This bead begins with the colored glass you see on the interior being flattened and shaped. Then a layer of clear glass and ash is applied to either side of the flattened color ribbon, and the entire piece is encased in clear glass. The bead is heated up and twisted while simultaneously being pulled to a point. Last, the shape is perfected and finished into a beautiful tornado of color and ash.
Hollow
Rather than being a solid pendant as all of the other bead options, this style is created on a bead mandrel which is later removed. What this means is that we are left with a hollow core through the center of the bead. Technically this is actually a bead and the other options are all cabochons. It can be finished with a Sterling silver pin and loop as shown or the core can be lined with a sterling silver tube so that your chain can run directly through the bead. These two options are described further on the pendant style page. It can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. The possibilities are endless with this option!
After selecting your color and bead design you must decide how you want your pendant finished. Below are some options to choose from.
Glass Loop
A glass loop is the simplest way to finish a pendant. The pendant to the left includes a sterling silver wire bail, but that is optional. This selection is the best way to keep costs down if you are on a budget.
Not available for Hollow style bead
Sterling Silver Bezel
This style frames the bead in a handmade sterling silver bezel. The silver is all cut, soldered, shaped, and finished to fit your specific bead.
Not available for Hollow style bead
Sterling Silver Pin and Loop
With this finish your Hollow bead will be hung vertically with a sterling silver pin through the center. The bead holes are covered with domed sterling silver bead caps for a more finished look.
Only available for Hollow style bead
Sterling Silver Core
Another option for the Hollow bead is to have the core lined with a tube of sterling silver. The ends of the tubing are flared to lock it into place. The bead is displayed horizontally with the chain running directly through it.
Only available for Hollow style bead