Beaded Jewelry by Design
Life is an ever-changing palette of color, texture, and relationships. Hopefully, my jewelry imitates the many facets and the beauty of life!

Lampworking is an ancient art of manipulating glass in a flame. My lampworked beads are made one-at-a-time by melting glass rods over an open flame using a surface mix torch and then artfully wrapping the molten glass around a steel mandrel to form a bead. Alternating layers of glass in various surface techniques are added to complete each bead before it leaves the flame and is put into a kiln where it is then annealed for strength and durability.

I primarily use Moretti/Effetre soda lime/soft glass rods to craft my beads. Murano is the island in Venice, Italy where Moretti glass is made. I use only quality findings made of sterling silver.

Each piece of jewelry is designed and made by me…one-bead-at-a-time! I often string my beads together in close groups, creating greater impact and a bold jewelry design statement.

My hope is that you will enjoy wearing your piece of my handmade jewelry as much as I enjoyed making it for you…Wear it well!

Mary V. Smith