Since the beginning of the 18th century, Czech makers have been literally breathing down the necks of their Venetian counterparts. While Venetians continued to hand-make beads of the highest quality, Czech craftsmen turned to molding and other techniques that increased bead production.

They also focused on Asia, the Middle East and other markets not yet controlled by their Italian competitors -- and by the early 19th century were producing a wide variety of unique beads with Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist motifs.

Today's contemporary bead makers in the Czech Republic have retained and further refined the shaping and molding techniques made popular over 200 years ago.

Asian and Islamic influences still affect the style and production of modern Czech glass beads as these markets continue to grow and American and European beaders have become increasingly interested in their rich iconographic and design traditions.

There are many popular examples of these beads in our catalog. They include the Islamic crescent moon and star beads and the elephant, an ancient Indian symbol representing divine or royal ancestry.