Handmade beads, designer jewelry, Italian tubular wire mesh, unique pendants, beading supplies... BeadedLily.com offers an inspiring array of unique beading delectables and jewelry making supplies. In addition to beautiful handcrafted beads from around the world, we also offer our own line of lampwork beads created here in our Tuscany Glass Works studio.  

Few would dispute the assertion that Venice is the birthplace of the glass bead industry.  Large scale lamp-work bead production has been going on in both Venice and the neighboring island of Murano for some 1400 years.  Seed bead production can be traced back to the early 17^th century.  Yet, perhaps ironically, there aren't many bead shops (as we define them in the States and other countries) to be found here in Italy. Traditionally, Italian beaders have purchased beads in yarn and craft stores that feature limited selections of beads and supplies, or in shops called La Merceria.  These shops feature a curious selection of beads, sewing notions, trims and women's stockings and under-garments.  Few, if any, of these shops feature handmade Italian glass beads.  Even in Venice, where a couple of bead shops have recently opened, Italian glass is not heavily featured.  It is for this reason that the Beaded Lily concept is unique.