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Lampwork Glass Jewelry - Hotaru Glass Accessories
"Hotaru glass" means "firefly lampwork glass beads" especially loved in Okinawa.
One of the main characteristics of this bead is the infused silver leaf.
These silver leaves reflect lights and shines like the Okinawa sea shore.
The popular blue color makes us think of tropical islands. It's the best souvenir from Okinawa as a memory of seaside holidays.
The method of making Hotaru Glass beads is the same as that of other lampwork beads.
Glass Artists carefully melt the glass rods and make the beads one by one. The photo below shows Takashi making a bead.
Silver leaves are infused to all the beads to evolve lampwork beads to Hotaru Glass beads.
The glow in the dark material, which absorbs sunlight (ultraviolet), is also added to some selected colors and bead sizes. We have chosen midnight blue beads and some small beads of other colors with this characteristic.
Until recently, dark blue color was the mainstream, but recently, gorgeous tropical colors such as green and orange have become popular. We are all fascinated by the charm of Hotaru beads which makes us want to stare at them forever.
If I give these beads language of flowers, it will be something like these.
Glittering, dignified strength
These hotaru glass beads, which are filled with the craftsman's positive energy, will further draw out your good qualities.
How to choose Hotaru beads
There are two types of hotaru beads: "glow in the dark type" and "traditional silver leaf only type".
I recommend that you decide which type you like. They look about the same during daytime. Since these beads are flashy to start with, I tried to design simple designs. My traditional designs are easy to match with various outfits.
How to choose Hotaru beads
There are two types of hotaru beads: "glow in the dark type" and "traditional silver leaf only type".
I recommend that you decide which type you like. They look about the same during daytime. Since these beads are flashy to start with, I tried to design simple designs. My traditional designs are easy to match with various outfits.
I love Okinawa.
I often visit Okinawa to get handmade hotaru glass beads from a local jewelry store I trust.
Since I'm a lampwork glass beads artist, I developed good eyes to choose high-quality hotaru glass beads. (Glass beads I make are called Traditional Osaka Beads.)
Only the most beautiful beads are selected.
I have secured the best beads before they hit the shelves at souvenir shops on the famous Kokusai Street.
I will deliver stylish accessories filled with the soul and love of Okinawa!
Takashi Hirose is a glass artist and jewelry designer.
I have been studying art using high heat domestically and internationally. Currently I run the glass jewelry brand STUDIO Waza in Japan.
I'm sorry but I do not take custom jewelry orders.
I'm keeping brand quality by only selling designs that I have made.
I do not sell loose hotaru beads.
I understand that people would like to purchase loose beads, however, I can not sell Okinawa firefly beads or Osaka dragonfly beads without them being assembled as jewelry.
The number of beads available in the market is small. My Osaka glass beads take time to make and I can't make enough quantities to sell as loose beads.
