I’ve been collecting ancient glass for awhile now. There are sites of old glass factories in Pakastan, which are 1,000 to 2,000 years old. Modern folks are gathering the glass shards from broken bowls and bracelets, and reshaping them into wonderful, beautiful beads.
I love the colorful tube beads made from ancient glass bangle bracelets. 
But I especially love the translucent shards make from broken vases and bowls. They have amazing patina, and I can hardly bear to cut one from its strand and use it in jewelry.
I am haunted by water these days. I dream of the Pacific Ocean. I’m obsessed with those old Japanese fishing floats.
And I’ve been working almost non-stop with these old water-color glass shards and semi-precious stones–apatite, amazonite, peridot, freshwater pearls–in aqua, pale greens, turquoise, teal and blue.
Here are some images of necklaces I’ve made. To give them that old, collected-over-time look, I’ve used antiqued brass chains and findings, bronze metal beads, recycled found metal beads in copper, brass, silver. Every single one is different.
Of course, you can’t have a signature necklace without coordinating earrings, can you? I’ll try to post pics of those, too, before the big weekend.
Enjoy!
Luann Udell 
I love your new work! I enjoy the colors of the sea and sky.
I lucked into some trade beads and copal from a friend who sold beads in the 60s. I just love to put them in a bowl or glass and look at them. The colors are much harsher and there are lots of Millefiori beads. They connect me to another land and another time. I think that you will do very well in this new direction and I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Many thanks!
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These are stunningly beautiful. I had no idea such glass existed and could be purchased! The patina of these ancient shards really does have a unique patina.
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There’s plenty of debate about whether these are really “Roman” glass beads, but there’s no doubt about their age!
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Hi Luann, Did you bezel set the glass in brass? Really lovely work. I use a lot of sea & sky colors, too. It makes happy to see your lovely pieces.
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Hi Julie, no, the bezeled pendants are broken pieces from old Afghani necklaces. They’re actually stone, and some are slightly damaged. But the beautiful subdued colors work so well with the ancient glass, don’t you think?
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