ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS
All lampwork beads are made by Ann Kroll using Italian & German glasses and are kiln-annealed for strength and durability. We take pride in the quality of our jewelry creations and are confident you will be happy with your purchases. They are 100% guaranteed against defect. If, however, you are not delighted with your beads or jewelry, please mail them back to us within 7 days of your purchase. We will refund your money or replace the item.
HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?
The fascination with Torch Singer Glass jewelry is found in its beauty and quality. But there is an element of curiosity associated with it as well. Buyers like yourself are initially drawn to the sparkle and color play of the beads; they are something different, something current and stylish. But when you realize that these are handmade and unique, I often hear: “You MADE those glass beads?! How did you do THAT?
For the curious among you, here is a peek at the process:
Glass is a magical medium – icy hard when it’s cool and honey soft when it’s hot. In my studio, I use an oxygen/propane torch to melt colorful glass straws (specialty glass manufactured in Italy, Germany and the US) into the familiar donut shapes you see. When the glass is molten and friendly I gently drape it around a metal rod called a “mandrel” – this creates the center hole for stringing. My hands move constantly, twisting the mandrel in the flame to keep the bead round and uniformly heated (rapid cooling is a shock to the glass, creating cracks or other flaws).
By controlling the flame and working with various color combinations and techniques, I partner with the glass to achieve a desired shape and color. When I am satisfied with the beads, they are further processed in a kiln at high temperature for several hours; this allows the glass molecules to settle, rest and strengthen. This last step ensures that your glass beads are tempered; we want you to enjoy your jewelry for many years. After firing, the beads are cleaned and closely examined; only the best are used in Torch Singer Glass jewelry.
Making glass beads is not a new activity; it's as old as fire. You can see examples of early beads and glasswork in major art museums everywhere. But, in our twenty-first century world of mass production, it is thrilling for me to offer something unique and timeless for you to wear. There is only one YOU and only one Torch Singer Glass.
It is my pleasure to make these jewelry pieces for you.
Special thanks to Marcia Kmack of Cave Creek Glassworks for getting me started in this glass world. " A Good teacher Explains ... A Superior teacher Demonstrates ... A GREAT teacher Inspires." ~ anonymous
