Cleaning and Caring for Your Lampwork Bead Jewelry

Today there is an increased interest in handcrafted goods and jewelry. The work is unique, exquisite and can be very delicate. You will find many modern jewelry pieces that have been made with handmade lampwork beads. These beads are tiny works of art so it is important to take care of them properly to prevent cracking and breakage.
What is a Lampwork bead?  Lampwork beads are handmade by expert artisans one at a time by melted glass around a steel rod that has been coated with a clay called bead release. They are then heated up via a torch and flame to a temperature of 120 degrees F. The expert artisan then spins or winds the glass around the steel rod to produce colorful designs and until it reaches the size they are trying to acheive. When done, the artisan places the beads into a kiln until it reaches a certain temperature and then it is cooled.

With such attention to detail, the result is wonderfully unique, one of a kind, delicate glass beads. Caring for them is important for long lasting wear.  You can clean your lampwork beads with a soft cotton cloth that has been lightly dampened and then towel dry.  Most beaded jewelry is strund on beading threads, elastic or wire of some sort. Depending on the material used to string your lampwork beads, take caution in not soaking the jewelry in water. Water can cause the beading threads to stretch out and wears on elastic or wire over time. You will also want to make sure you store your jewelry that has been made with lampwork beads in a softly lined jewelry case with a lid so that they are always protected.

Wearing your beautiful lampwork bead creations will always be enjoyable if you care for them and take some caution with them.  Since they are made of glass, breakage could occur. Removing your jewelry immediately after use will extend their life and your wearing pleasure.  Handmade lampwork jewelry creations are certainly worth the extra effort in cleaning and caring for them. You will be able to wear them for many years.

by Jasmine Yesak, Contributing Editor at ChasingTreasure.com, online retailer of quality jewelry boxes, jewelry organizers and watch boxes. Jasmine is a Jewelry Enthusiast and Organization Consultant, she writes about Jewelry Care and Jewelry Storage Tips.