What began as a fascination with the glass of Murano has become a way of life. Our webstore has all you will need to make jewelry, quality findings, stringing materials, Swarovski Crystals and a lot more, but our main focus is the Venetian Glass Bead. We have been an integral part in promoting Venetian glass beads throughout the world as well as helping to breathe new life into traditional Venetian techniques. A few years ago, we introduced our line of Venetian Dichroics to the US through as a result of years of efforts with our beadmakers in Murano. We continue to bring new and innovative ideas to this age old industry. Most recently, we developed the Furnace Glass along with our partner furnace in Venice. It's a blend of old glass making techniques to work with new fashion ideas.
We remain a family owned business located in Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, CA, USA where we have been importing Venetian Glass and Murano Glass commercially since 1993. Our wholesale showroom has the largest collection of Venetian Beads on display anywhere.
If you are trying to checkout and you do not see USPS First Class International Mail as an Option, (or maybe do not see any options for shipping to the UK). We are working on this problem. When I say we, I mean the entire US Postal Web service.
It seems they made an update to their database on 7 September and sort of wiped out the UK or at least any connection to our shopping cart. Thus began the finger pointing.
Now as far as I can tell, the US is still on amicable terms with all you lovely people. And I am sure the USPS meant no harm. But also I am sure you can imagine how many meetings it will take to resolve this and heavens help us if it has to go to Congress!
So, how do we work around this until this is resolved (though daily they do report to me, yes I am rather impressed).
Email us when you are through shopping: info@venetianbeadshop.com (or put in a CRM – through your account)
Tell us in your email how you want it shipped.
We will take it from there!
We will calculate the postage, pick and pack your order and send you a paypal invoice.
Watch Patti’s Video to learn How to Use the Wubber Tools
If you are new to beading, you are probably wondering what tools you should buy. While it is best to know that beading is your passion before investing in a tool box stuffed with pliers, cutters, etc, good tools can help your jewelry projects easier.
The right tool for the job. The Wubbers by Patti are comfortable tools to use, and they were designed for people just like you. Watch this short video by Patti to learn how to make your own ear wires, scrolls and loops for bracelets and necklaces.
Click on the picture for the short video – which will change the way you look at making loops, perfect every time.
VenetianBeadShop.com, which offers authentic Murano Glass Beads, Swarovski Crystal Elements, Silver and Gold Findings – everything to make jewelry, was recently selected to join the Google Trusted Stores program. To help shoppers identify online merchants that offer a great shopping experience, the Google Trusted Store badge is awarded to ecommerce sites that demonstrate a track record of ontime shipping and excellent customer service. When visiting the http://www.venetianbeadshop.com website, shoppers can hover over the Google Trusted Store badge and see metrics on the store’s shipping and customer service performance. VenetianBeadShop.com has a 100% rating for excellent service and 98.9 rating for ontime shipping.
VenetianBeadShop.com is proud to be included in this elite group of stores. We have been online since 2000 growing our selection and range of components for making jewelry. As a direct importer, designing many of our own Venetian Beads, we feel this is an endorsement by our customers and will serve to help us grow.
As an added benefit, when a shopper makes a purchase at a Google Trusted Store, they have the option to select free purchase protection from Google. Then in the unlikely event of an issue with their purchase, they can request Google’s help, and Google will work with VenetianBeadShop.com and the customer to address the issue. As part of this, Google offers up to $1,000 lifetime purchase protection for eligible purchases. Google Trusted Stores is entirely free, both for shoppers and for online stores. The program helps online stores like VenetianBeadShop.com attract new customers, increase sales and differentiate themselves by showing off their excellent service via the badge on their websites.
Here’s the best and worst of Carnival 2014, (Carnevale Venezia). We’ve put all the pictures together on youtube in a 12minute segment. It’s clear from these pictures that some days were better than others. Watch on YouTube
Maltempo & Aqua Alta
The weather did not cooperate nor did the high water. You can see from the pictures that many tourist were in those so very attractive plastic boots! Best sellers for these days were? Boots and Umbrellas.
The crowd fell slightly due to the weather, and the hotels complained of cancellations, but there still were huge crowds, especially on days with a little sun.
The water soaked costumes are visible at times, as are the oh so grey skies. The final day, Martedi Grasso (Fat Tuesday) saw rain and high water at 1p.m. in San Marco. But by the closing ceremonies the water had receded and the carnival concluded as planned.
Favorite Scenes & Costumes:
In keeping with this years theme of fables of Europe and Italy, I think these guys get the prize. This is the big dilemma each year, create a costume to the theme or go with the classics. I think I favor the traditional, beautiful gowns from centuries ago. IF you plan on entering the “Best Mask” contest, you’d better adhere to the theme. It requires lots of imagination and recent winners have mostly been art students.
Flight of the Turks, no the Angel, no make that Eagle The history of the “flying” events for Carnival date back to the mid 16th century when a Turkish acrobat walked a rope from a boat tied up just outside San Marco to the top of the San Marco Bell Tower and on to the balcony on the Doge’s Palace in honor of the Doge.
Carolina Kostner: Flight of the Eagle
One of the highlights of this year’s event was Italy’s own Carolina Kostner, Bronze Metal Winner at the Sochi Olympics appearing in the Flight of the Eagle. She braved the wind and rain to glide across from the Bell Tower to the Stage. Thousands of people turned out to cheer for her, not only for surviving the flight but for her huge success in skating.
Fallen Angels – Oops! In later days one of the acrobats was costumed in angel wings and flew along a rope, much like today, from the bell tower to the palace square. The Doge was so impressed that he renamed the event Flight of the Angel. However in 1759 an acrobat angel accidentally fell during the flight (guess the cables weren’t so good in those days). That was the end of the flying acrobats and instead of these talented fellows, wooden doves were used, not nearly so entertaining.
Angels Reinstated 2001 saw the Angels reinstated, times change and equipment is better to prevent (we hope) any “fallen Angels”. For 2014, Julia Nasi, the winner of last year’s Marie Contest flew embracing the Doge to officially kick off the beginning of the festival.
Favorite Photo: Has to be this couple standing at the water’s edge.
Flight of the Leone The final day, the Flight of the Leone signals the end of the festivities. Don’t get excited, it’s not a real lion, rather the flag of the Republic of Venice, La Serenissima. And it is accompanied by the Venetians who are in the square singing very loudly in Veneziano.
How do you know Carnival is Over? The Leone Flies and there are no more Fritelle – See You Next Year!
Did you ever wonder how jewelry gets that faint, slightly antiqued look? Did you know you can do it yourself.
Try this on small piece before you work on your best jewelry.
What is Oxidation?
It is a chemical reaction where metals is deliberately tarnished or slightly discolored, leaving a patina (finish). It gives the metal that vintage look. Most often oxidation is used to bring out the details of a metal tag, pendant, so that you may see better the details of letters of designs.
How do you oxidize?
Eggs, The Environmentally Friendly Oxidizer
One of the easiest ways is to use eggs and they are positively environmentally friendly. (Yes eggs!) The sulfur in the egg yolk can give you the vintage effect. Try this first on your small piece. Generally for a couple of pendants, 2 eggs should be sufficient. (You can stop the process at any point you like the patina you have achieved.)
Boil 2 eggs Place the pendants in a ziplock bag. Add the eggs and mash them up. (If you do not want the pendants and squashed eggs to mix together, put the pendants in a small mesh bag.) Now wait. (Do not eat the eggs.)
Sorry VenetianBeadShop does not sell or ship eggs. :>)
Depending on the level of patina you want, will determine the length of time. Even leaving them overnight. (If you want to rush the process, you can microwave for about 10-15 seconds to get the eggs hot which releases the sulfur.) Wash your jewelry with soap and water when you are done.
If the egg method is too messy for you, maybe Liver of Sulfur is for you.
Liver Sulfur
Liver of Sulfur – What is it?
It is a mixture of potassium sulfide, potassium polysulfide, potassium thiosulfate and potassium bisulfide. Each manufacturer has their own recipe. (Why it is called Liver, I have yet to determine.)
Hazardous: You will need to use more caution.
Liver of Sulfur comes in a liquid and paste, a rock or crystal form. The crystal form has a short shelf life, whereas the liquid or paste have a longer one. The crystal (lump) form is also flammable.
Keep away from children or animals
Wear rubber gloves
Avoid spills, avoid getting in your eyes, wearing goggles is advised.
Use only in a well ventilated room
Be sure the item you want to oxidize is clean. Dropping the pieces into hot water not only help clean them, but the heated pieces will take the color faster.
Follow the directions on the liver sulphur. It will work best if the water you use is hot.
Use a plastic or wooden stick to mix the liver of sulphur with the water.
Insert your metal into the mixture.
Wait a few minutes – watch as it changes colors and when you are happy with the patina, remove it, be sure you have the gloves on. (Remove with a plastic spoon or tongs.)
Rinse the item thoroughly and let it dry.
Finally, polish the pieces. There are multiple ways to polish, steel wool, brass brush. Be sure to use the brass brush wet, so you don’t leave marks.
Cautions: Do not use reuse the container for any edible products. Mark it Liver of Sulfur – so no one accidentally uses it. For the full list of Warnings required by law of our Liver of Sulfur gel can be read here. Fine Print
For proper environmentally correct disposal of liver of sulfur, read the label on your liver of sulfur, some are easily neutralized with baking soda, but as each manufacturer has slightly ingredients, it is best to read the label.
You can use this on all copper or silver, fine and sterling and it also works on Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Copper will change color more quickly than silver.
This is not an exact science and the outcome will vary each time – depending on the strength of the liver of sulfur, heat of the water, minerals in the water and your attitude (not altitude). Just give it a try and have fun.
When it comes to our sculpted Blown Beads, you have to think in 3d. The outside color is only part of the story. Selecting canes, you need to be able to visualize the effect when the outside layer is ground away.
We work with our Master Glass Blower to come up with the designs. Sometimes this involves not only sketches, but trips to the Effetre factory to search for just the canes we need. We are fortunate to have a blower who is willing to collaborate with us through out the design and production phases.
When he was unhappy with the results of the grinding, (molare, in Italian), he bought his own grinder and taught his wife how to help. He is precise in all he does, a really important assets for our jewelry making.
Sometimes when we are in Murano and without good internet access, we visit his backyard and use his wifi, This is truly collaboration at all levels! And did I mention that the backyard comes with refreshments???
The Inside is as Important as the Outside – Think 3D
When it comes to these beads, we have to consider what is inside the canes. What colors do we want exposed. when the beads cool and are ground. When it comes to our sculpted Blown Beads, you have to think in 3d. The outside color is only part of the story. Selecting canes, you need to be able to visualize the effect when the outside layer is ground away.
We work with our Master Glass Blower to come up with the designs. Sometimes this involves not only sketches, but trips to the Effetre factory to search for just the canes we need. We are fortunate to have a blower who is willing to collaborate with us through out the design and production phases.
When it comes to our sculpted Blown Beads, you have to think in 3d. The outside color is only part of the story. Selecting canes, you need to be able to visualize the effect when the outside layer is ground away.
Choose the Colors.
We work with our Master Glass Blower to come up with the designs. Sometimes this involves not only sketches, but trips to the Effetre factory to search for just the canes we need. We are fortunate to have a blower who is willing to collaborate with us through out the design and production phases. When he was unhappy with the results of the grinding, (molare, in Italian), he bought his own grinder and taught his wife how to help. He is precise in all he does, a really important assets for our jewelry making.
Sometimes when we are in Murano and without good internet access, we visit his backyard and use his wifi, This is truly collaboration at all levels! And did I mention that the backyard comes with refreshments???
When it comes to these beads, we have to consider what is inside the canes. What colors do we want exposed. When the beads have been annealed and are cool then comes the grinding. all by hand, so no two are ever exactly alike. To see our selection of beads visit: http://www.venetianbeadshop.com/Sculptured-Blown-Murano-Beads_c_194.html (or click on the picture here).
When it comes to our sculpted Blown Beads, you have to think in 3d. The outside color is only part of the story. Selecting canes, you need to be able to visualize the effect when the outside layer is ground away.
We work with our Master Glass Blower to come up with the designs. Sometimes this involves not only sketches, but trips to the Effetre factory to search for just the canes we need. We are fortunate to have a blower who is willing to collaborate with us through out the design and production phases.
When he was unhappy with the results of the grinding, (molare, in Italian), he bought his own grinder and taught his wife how to help. He is precise in all he does, a really important assets for our jewelry making.
Sometimes when we are in Murano and without good internet access, we visit his backyard and use his wifi, This is truly collaboration at all levels! And did I mention that the backyard comes with refreshments???
The Inside is as Important as the Outside – Think 3D When it comes to these beads, we have to consider what is inside the canes. What colors do we want exposed. when the beads cool and are ground.
The result are our beautiful beads, they are each little works of art and our blower a master in his craft. Use these to make beautiful Murano Glass Bead Jewelry, and enjoy a bit of the history of Murano.
Part of every trip is window shopping for inspiration. It is always good to see that someone else here in Venice has a similar approach. Imagine our surprise when we saw similar beads to our new Sfumato shades in the windows in San Marco, well I guess it is just confirmation that we have a good idea.
In these pictures you will see many of our popular Murano Glass Beads as they are used in designs and sold in Venice. It’s no coincidence, our bead makers have been selling to the stores in San Marco and around for years. Naturally if you make beads, you probably also make jewelry because you have lots of beads.
Venice, an Opulence of Color
Venice is so full of colors found in the incredible chandeliers and Murano Glass sculptures, Vases and Animals that the jewely has to be a bit over-the-top to compete.
But notice that there are few findings in this jewelry. Mostly it is Murano Glass and Conterie (small seedbead). Originally the seed bead were produced also in Murano, however the foreign manufacturers like the Czech and Japanese gradually replaced them in the market and no seed bead have been produced in Murano in recent years.
If you look closely, you can see some of the prices, they are in Euro and they are not inexpensive.
Even though the finest of precious metal findings for jewelry are produced in Italy, you find few of them used in the jewelry of Venice and Murano. Often the beads are strung simply with just knotting between. The jewelry makers in Murano can carry on a conversation and never miss a knot.
Why?
Because they have glass and because for them there is more profit in selling what they make, rather than buy precious metals for which the market fluctuates hourly.
And there are our little squares in gold foils, all our rounds in 24kt Gold Foil, Sterling Silver.
Take a lesson in not being afraid to mix colors. Look how beautiful our little transparent cubes are in this simple but colorful necklace. In Venice bright and bold colors are everywhere. Don’t be afraid to embrace the joy of these vibrant colors. So take an inspiration from the Venetians.
The colors are not only in the jewelry, take a look at this vendor who sells paintings along the walkway in front of San Marco.
If you are lucky enough to be in Venice the last couple of weeks, there are 5 areas of the city which are temporarily returned to the 1300s. It is for a TV film “Marco Polo” produced by the Weinstein Company. Stuntman Ju Kun was scheduled to work the show alongside fight choreographer Brett Chan, but he was on board Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.
All the actors are dressed in period costume to tell the story of the most famous Venetian traveler, merchant and explorer: Marco Polo and the story of his early days at the court of Kubla Khan. Remember that Marco Polo left Venice and did not return for 24 years. Talk about packing for a trip!
He travels are documented in “Livres des merveilles du monde”, when he returned to Venice in 1269, he found Venice at war with Genoa and was imprisoned. He dictated his stories to a fellow inmate in the prison. He was released from the prison in 1299 and became a wealthy merchant. He died in 1324 and is buried in the church of San Lorenzo.
His travels lead to the introduction of the Fra Mauro map. The Fra Mauro Map was made in 1450 by the Italian monk. It was a circular planisphere drawn on parchment. It was discovered in the monastery of St. Michael and is now in the Muse Correr. (Today there is a a street in Murano by this name where several of my friends live.)
If this sounds like the stuff of fairy tales, you are right.
It includes hundreds of extras dressed in period costumes as well. The locations are near Campo Widmann, Campiello Quierini, Punta della Dogana and Fondamenta de la Misericordia and finally near Campo San Francesco de la Vigna. They are also filming inside the Palazzo Rota Ivancich.
The Palazzo Rota Ivancich was constructed in the 16th Century, designed by Jacopo Sansovini (1486-1570). So clearly it was not around for Marco Polo.
It won’t be strictly period, as there are not many images of what Venice looked like, surely it was austere as there were no lights, no running water, no vaporetto. And they were always in fear of invaders.
Even today Venice at night is dark and often we find tourist wandering (thankfully I do not think they have ever lost a tourist). But imagine it with the lighting of the 1300s.
In order to make the film, they had to do such things as: hide fire hydrants, remove street signs, for there was no Vaporetto to catch and no trains, so no need for signs to the Ferrovia. Probably the most difficult challenge was the lighting. It is fortunate that the building code in Venice does not allow for the modification to the exteriors and the buildings are preserved as they were in the late 1800s, however, to go back to the 1300s is well before the extraordinary riches which dominated the area in the 1600-1700s, the time when so many of the beautiful palazzo were constructed or remodeled by the wealthy families.
Also they will had to reroute the pedestrian traffic, keep the vaporetti from steaming right through the scene and repositioning some boats normally docked in these areas.
The result, a Venice right out of history and our imaginations.
Note: We will let you know if the series will be shown. It is being produced for NetFlix, and should have filmed last year, but encountered difficulties. It was programmed for a 10 series and hopefully will air in late 2014. I can’t wait to see the scenery!Google
