Fire polished crystals are faceted glass beads that are made in the Czech Republic in an area called Jablonec nad Nisou. Production of glass beads in the area dates back to around the 14th Century, although bead production almost came to a halt under Soviet rule.
Fire polished crystals start out as round pressed glass beads that are then machine faceted, which often leaves sharp edges on the beads. To smooth the edges, the beads are heated in a kiln or oven that softens the bead’s surface, which in turn softens the facet edges. Due to this process, the beads may not have sharp, precise facets like many other types of crystal, but many people believe that this is what gives fire polished crystals their charm and beauty. Fire polished crystals do not contain any lead, unlike Swarovski or Preciosa crystals; it is the polishing process that gives them their shine and brilliance.
The most popular shape of fire polished crystals is ‘round’, although the beads tend to have more of an oval appearance. Fire polished crystal beads come in sizes ranging from 3mm to 22mm, and are available in a huge variety of colours. The colour of the bead intensifies as the bead size gets larger: for example a 4mm bead and an 8mm bead of the same colour and dye lot will have slight variations of colour. The shades of fire polished crystals will also differ between dye lots, so it is best to buy all of the beads for your project at the same time. Opaque and milky or opalescent colours are also available in the fire polished crystal range, and are a popular choice to mix into your beaded jewellery pieces. Other types of fire polished crystal available include two-toned or multi-coloured beads that have several colours (either transparent or opaque) within the bead to create an interesting effect.
Fire polished crystal beads are also available with various finishes that are applied to the surface of the beads while they are still warm. Some finishes include:
- Aurora Borealis (AB) – simulates the colours that you may see within the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights). This finish is usually only applied to one side of the bead. The AB finish was created by Swarovski in collaboration with Christian Dior.
- Lustred – a metallic coating applied to the entire bead that is highly reflective.
- Matte – the beads have been dipped in an acid etching solution, giving the bead a frosted appearance.
- Pearlised – a pearl-like coating over an opaque white or clear bead which gives the beads a soft, pearly sheen.
- Jet Metallic – an opaque black bead that has been completely covered with a coloured metallic coating.
- Apollo – a transparent bead that has been coated on one side with a coloured metallic coating, making the bead more reflective and sparkly.
Fire polished crystal colours shouldn’t fade over time or in sunlight, but it is important to note that many finishes that are applied to the beads may scratch or fade, as the effect is only applied to the surface of the bead.
While fire polished crystals are produced mainly in the Czech Republic, Indian bead factories have purchased old Czech glass dyes and are producing faceted fire polished crystals as well. The glass used in Indian bead factories is of lower quality than the glass used by the Czechs, so the resulting beads are generally not as nice. It is quite easy to tell the difference between Czech fire polished crystals and their Indian copies; the facets won’t meet as neatly and the glass won’t reflect the light as well.
Wholesale beads are generally sold by the mass, which in the case of fire polished crystals and pressed glass is 1200 beads, and most Czech bead producers request minimum orders of up to 100 mass per bead type or colour.
