Lampwork beads are a kind of handmade glass bead created by artisans using a process that dates back to the middle ages. In those days glass was heated over an oil lamp flame whereas today gas torches are used, but the idea remains basically unchanged.
Lampwork glass beads are created by working molten glass around a wire or mandrel and adding color and design components. As with our hand blown glass beads, each is individually handmade so there may be some variation in size and color.