Czechoslovakian Art Deco Egyptian Revival Beads

The iridescence on glass mimicks the weathering found on ancient glass from archealogical sites.

We use Preciosa Ornela beads in many designs, formerly known as Jablonex, a name synonymous with quality despite competition from the Orient, this Bohemian producer is still going strong with new designs and finishes regularly released.

Mass produced moulded glass beads often show a ‘seam’ at the join of the mould.

Tiny seed beads are tumbled to smooth the edges before being strung onto hanks.

A Brief History

Initially a cottage industry beadmaking in Bohemia in the 19th century was well established and a world leader, with the advent of communism work was relocated to factories and even prison labour was introduced, with inmates expected to produce a certain amount of weight in beads per day.

The Communist government of 1948 disapproved of beadmaking and costume jewellery as valid businesses, so the industry stopped, only to restart ten years later after Stalin's death.

Production of glass beads in Asia has had a negative effect on the Bohemian bead makers, but in tribute to Mucha and the heritage of these beads we are more than happy to use them in our designs.

We have worked with Bohemian glass since our early days in the 1980s, with beads ideal for embellishment and adornment.

Bohemian beads can be found in many sizes and a spectrum of colours and finishes.

Shown below are some drop beads from the early 20th century, 100 years later these beads are still in production in the Czech Republic.

Czech-made 'Mali Wedding Beads' of the mid 20th Century