Gold Water Beads

Inspired by a vintage Murano candy dish.
Beads with 24k gold leaf trapped inside crystal clear glass.

Here they are still on their mandrels.

This technique doesn't have to be done
with gold leaf. Silver foil works too,
and is much, much easier to handle.

To make these you start with a core bead that is a cylinder shape. Roll it in metal leaf and then encase. Don't let the flame touch the leaf or it will vaporize.

Try variations!

Start with a colored core bead.

Or, encase with a transparent over the metal leaf.

I left the encasing on this set all watery.
You could round them, or facet them, or
roll them in a ribbed bead roller...

Have fun.