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Written by Dara Spiotto
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Monday, 03 March 2008 |
Call out to collectors out there! While digging in my bead stash I unearthed a smattering of old, yummy satin glass. A small collection of treasure that I buy whenever I find it. My thought at that moment was to stop being so selfish and share with you the goodness of old satin glass, so you too can indulge if you’re lucky enough to stumble across it.
A Pioneer of Bead Design
Czech glass bead makers have been innovative right from the start. As early as the beginning of the 19th century they were traveling to villages and cities to ask what kind of beads people wanted. They took consensus to learn what was popular, hip and  classic in bead design, a very smart marketing tool. They went home with sketchbooks full of ideas, and hearts full of motivation to succeed. Once home they started chugging out beads as fast as they could, while continuing to experiment and branch out.
By the time 1930 hit, the Czech bead makers were in full stride. During the Great Depression, people had little cash flow to splurge on jewelry and other “frivolous” items. So the bead makers worked it to their advantage, offering beads in molded shapes, foil glass in a variety of colors, cut crystals, and satin glass. These beads were much more affordable than gemstone beads, and were trendy, stylish and different.
By the 1940’s these beads were designed in choker length graduated strands, with simple hook clasps. If you find them today, they may have a few other beads in and around them, but only as fillers. The satin glass beads themselves are the real stars in the show.
 What to Look For
A satin glass bead is usually round, and can have a single or multiple colors. It has a thick, high gloss finish on it and looks wet. The color is smooth and pearly, or satiny smooth. Once you see one and realize how beautiful they are you’ll recognize them easily. They stand out in a crowd.
You won’t find these beauties as casual bead store stock. You’ve got to search at places that buy out estates or grand, old collections (like The Beadin’ Path does!) or you may find them at antique stores. Be prepared to pay a good price for them. For instance, the strand half green / half white, I think I paid about $70.00 for them. When The Beadin’ Path finds estate jewelry that is damaged or partial, it will dismantle pieces and re-string them into smaller more affordable strands. So when I found them, I had to collect all the strands up for that color, so that the “family” wouldn’t be broken up. But if you’re not compulsive like I am, then you can get a tiny strand that’s pretty affordable.
 A Good Thing Sticks Around
Satin glass has stuck around since the beginning, being re-invented and experimented with over the years. Today you can find modern satin glass in round beads with two roses on them, one on each side in a variety of millimeters.
A Different Satin Glass
I’ve often heard of another bead referred to as satin glass. This is a bead where in the molten state, air is intentionally introduced to create bubbles. Then the glass is drawn out, so the bubbles elongate and it gives a shimmer like satin. This type of satin glass is usually found in long tubes or beads with a few large facets to fully appreciate the effect of the bubbles. The ends of the beads are usually rough and pitted, although the pitting is so tiny it's hardly noticeable. Seed beads and bugles come in satin glass in this style, and are beautiful when strung or woven. They really express the gleam of satin.
Just when you thought you had a bead stash case that was good enough, now you’ve got to graduate to a bigger size! Well, how else are you going to get all these satin glass beads inside?? Happy shopping!
Resources:
http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/catalog/Beads/Czech-Lamp-Beads/
http://steve-o-meter.com/content/view/26/298/ |
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