Glossary E-H

A-B ~ C-D ~ I-M - N-S ~ T-Z ~ Glossary TOC

elbow bead	A long Venetian glass bead with a bend in middle, like an elbow. Not in production since the 1700's, and intact beads are rare.
emerald	The word emerald is derived from the Greek Smaragdos which is probably an old Persian word. It means green stone. Emerald is the most precious form of beryl. It has a Mohs hardness of 7½ to 8. As emeralds are rather brittle gemstones and fracture easily, they are often treated with oil. Emeralds are found in Columbia, Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania, India, Pakistan and Australia.
eye bead	The "evil eye" or malocchio bead is the oldest known bead pattern. They are worn for protection from evil and to attract and promote good fortune. Eye beads were originally carved from agate with a large hole in the center, not merely to attach a thong or cord in order to wear it. Rather, it symbolized the aperture of the eye itself. Most of the eye beads I have collected are Dutch, Venetian or Turkish glass.
feather bead	A pattern of glass applied to the surface of a bead to give the appearance of a feather. Originally a Venetian pattern, the modern beadmakers in India also make a very attractive version as well.
fiorato	Italian name for a rose bead. See rose bead.
fluorite	Also called fluorspar, it can be striped or spotted. Its color can be modified by heat or radiation. It derives its name form its ability to emit visible light under the influence of certain rays. It is caused by small metal impurities which can also determine the color of the mineral.
French ambassador beads	Created by Venetian glass makers attached to the Court of Louis XIV, during a cultural exchange. When the rank of Ambassador of the French Court was bestowed, the beads were worn in a necklace that was worn over the shoulder, across the chest and hung to the knees. After the fall of the House of Bourbon, the beads were no longer produced. They are extremely rare and quite valuable.
garnet	This is a group of differently colored minerals with similar chemical composition. The name derives from Latin for grain because of the shape of the crystals. In the general sense, it refers to the red "garnets", almandine and pyrope.
gold filled (gf)	Has a base-metal core, often nickel, with gold over-lay that is heat -and-pressure bonded to it. I prefer to use 14kt gf. It causes fewer allergic reactions and is cost-effective.
hand-knotted	The beads are strung one at a time, with a knot placed by hand between each bead for strength and to keep beads from abrading on each other.
hogan bead	Also called a bi-cone bead.

More terms will be added as time goes by. I welcome questions, comments or even corrections by email.