Lovely Lava Beads
Friday May 1, 2009
I recently received some interesting beads from Rings & Things called Lava Beads, and as the name suggests they are actually made from lava, as in volcanoes. They comes in all different shapes and sizes, and one of the things I was impressed with the most was how light-weight they are. So you could make some fairly chunky jewelry without having to worry that it would be too heavy to wear comfortably. There is more information about Lava Beads on the company's gemstone and bead index, but basically, these are made from the rocks that are left after a volcano erupts and then the mass that comes out cools and forms rocks. The beads come in brown (pictured) or a darker black color as well.
I have a project in the works using these, actually, maybe a couple, so keep an eye out for them in the near future.
Comments
It’s so interesting to read about Lava beads in your column today. I went to Yosemite and learned about Obsidian and how cooling very quickly the erupted lava gets the glass like shine.
After I came back I was inspired to create some jewelry and post it in my blog. Your link for Rings and Things was very helpful. I learned more about Obsidian and other lava rocks. Thanks so much.
It’s so interesting to read about Lava beads in your column today. I went to Yosemite and learned about Obsidian and how cooling very quickly the erupted lava gets the glass like shine.
After I came back I was inspired to create some jewelry and post it in my blog. Your link for Rings and Things was very helpful. I learned more about Obsidian and other lava rocks. Thanks so much. Dita
I am always loooking for new ideas and products. I never considered lava beads in the past due to the rough nature of the material. I like what Rings an Things has to offer and will add them to my favorites.
I discovered lava beads about a year and a half ago through a supplier on ETSY, and I LOVE them! I have made a number of pieces, and in fact my favorite pair of earrings are made with lava rounds and copper bead caps, dangling from about an inch of copper chain.
I too just discovered lava rock beads. I had received quite a large pendant from my daughter and asked me to put in a necklace for her! Well…once I put my mind to it, came up with an idea to put it on a simple black leather string and I wrapped the pendant in silver. I had never done this before and I must say, I loved it! I almost kept it for myself!
All I can say to others is, if you have any hesitation in using lava rock don’t worry. The lava is just as easy to work with as any other bead, but give you a new deminsion in designing with them… I love it and I will never hesitate again!
I love working with lava beads. Stones and Findings has a few interestingly drilled lava beads on strands. For example http://www.stonesandfindings.com/images/items/11/Lava-Other-Cube-Diamond-113118621010.jpg which is a cubed drilled Lava Bead. It’s great for earrings, which will especially stand out with a short bob cut.