Glasperler

Glasperler are small beads made from glass, used in jewelry making and a wide range of decorative crafts. They are produced in many colors and finishes and are typically threaded through a hole drilled or formed in the bead. Sizes vary from roughly 1 mm up to 8 or 10 mm in diameter, with common categories including seed beads, rocailles, and bugle beads. The term is used in Dutch and other European contexts to describe glass beads used for beadwork and embellishment.

Manufacture and finishes vary by type. Most glass beads are created by melting glass and forming it into spheres, either by drawing molten glass into threads or by pressing and molding. Some are machine-made for tight tolerance, while others are handmade and may show slight size or shape differences. Finishes include transparent, opaque, translucent, iridescent, matte, and pearl-like coatings, as well as color-shifting or ab (aurora borealis) effects.

Applications and usage. Glasperler are widely used in bead weaving, embroidery, stringing, and surface ornamentation for textiles, costumes, and accessories. They are common in jewelry making, decorative crafts, and traditional crafts in many cultures. Beads are typically threaded on beading threads or wires, and can be incorporated into loom or off-loom techniques, depending on the bead size and hole diameter. Safety considerations include keeping small beads away from young children to prevent choking.

History and distribution. Glass beads have a long history dating back to ancient beadmaking traditions. Modern production centers include parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with Czech, Italian, and Asian manufacturers playing major roles in supplying a global market. Glasperler are a staple in craft stores and hobbyist communities worldwide.