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Kashmiri beads, also called Lac beads, are made in Jaipur India and surrounding areas. Because this type of beads was originally made in Kashmir, they became know as Kasmiri beads. The Lac beads name refers to the material that these beautiful beads are made with. Lac is a resin similar to Polymer Air Dry Clay, in that, while it is soft, tiny beads, metal components and other resin shapes can be pushed into the resin and air dried to create a magnificent piece of art.
There are many steps that take place before this resin can be worked to the point of being artfully decorated. The resin must be worked over and over again, until the proper consistency is reach, and then it can be worked around a base metal (the bead hole) base. The resin must remain in this consistency to be shaped correctly and goes through a series of submersion into water during the shaping process. Once the proper consistency has been achieved, the beads are hand decorated, one-by-one, with smaller components like wire, beads, rhinestones and sometimes even with sequins. The resin used can be black, red, teal or a variety of colors. The components used to make the design compliment the base resin color.
Remember that each Kasmiri bead is unique because it is handmade, and although we have many styles to choose from, no two beads will ever be exactly the same. The skill and craftsmanship ensures each piece is its own artistic treasure. Unusual and beautiful, these interesting beads make a perfect focal point for your jewelry pieces.
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