Michal Gamlieli, after many years as a senior graphic designer, traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, to study the art of glass bead-making at the side of the master, Peter Viesnik.

Michal designs her creations in her glass and jewelry studio, in Moshav Aminadav, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Israel. This contemporary, handmade jewelry features beads made of Italian Moretti glass.

Each bead is individually crafted by flamework using a technique based on that of ancient Venetian artisans. Pure gold and silver are combined with glass in some beads.

Venice became the major glass and beadmaking center of the world during the Renaissance, and the secrets of glassmaking were jealously guarded there.

In 1291, the Venetians moved the glass industry to the island of Murano, isolating the craft and its artists. Thus, the Venetians kept their lucrative trade a secret.

The art of glassmaking passed from father to son, which made it impossible for any one outside of a glassmaker's family to learn the craft. Glass artists were forbidden by law to travel, and violators risked the imprisonment of family, or pursuit and assassination. By the 16th century some Venetian artists managed to escape to Germany.

By the early 17th century Antonio Neri, a glassmaker from Florence, authored L'Arte Vetraria (The Art of Glass), which was the first book to be published on the subject.

Throughout history, handmade glass beads were esteemed as valuable and were traded in exchange for slaves, furs, gold, ivory, tobacco and sugar. Today, Venetian glass beads are used in the making of distinctive jewelry and are sought after by collectors.

Please contact Art-Y-Choc for available pieces for sale.