Handcrafted glass beads are made individually over an open flame. A master bead maker melts a rod of glass and wraps a bit of molten glass around a copper wire. Beads can be made with a core of 24k gold foil, silver foil, or dichroic glass to give the beads an internal glow. Several layers or colors of glass rods can be used to create a particular effect in molten glass. The bead maker must delicately work at a constant temperature over the flame, or the bead will crack. Finally, the bead is allowed to cool and thicken to insure it will not break. Marco Polo Designs uses a myriad of ancient and modern techniques to make exclusive beads, and are continuously developing new glass making methods infusing the finest of old-world craftsmanship, with an eclectic, energized and modern style. The beads are then strung together with Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, precious gemstones, semi-precious gemstones, Bohemian and Japanese glass, faux pearls, and a variety of other materials, on sterling silver and gold vermeil. The result is exquisite and unique jewelry art.