About Us

Angela Keller began honing her lampworking skills several years ago at the famed Holy City Art Glass studio. She quickly fell in love with the art of glass and began incorporating her glass work into her jewelry designs. Upon discovering the simple beauty of Venetian glass beads, Dolce Beada was born.

Many of Dolce Beada’s beads come directly from the island of Murano where Angela has been able to work at the torches in the glass makers’ studios.   The techniques they employ date back to the 13th century and have been handed down through generations of artisans.  Today they continue to test their skills in developing new beads and remain on the cutting edge of design.

Venetian glass is easily recognized by the 24 kt gold, white gold or silver foil encased beneath layers of glass.  With this traditional method Moretti glass canes are melted in front of an open torch flame, wound around a mandrel and quickly shaped as it cools.   The finished beads are placed in a kiln at about 950 degrees. The temperature is slowly reduced until the beads are completely cooled. This process is called annealing and is done to add strength and durability to the glass bead.

The jewelry designs of Dolce Beada combine these beautiful Venetian beads with contemporary accents such as Bali silver, vintage glass and semi-precious gems. The pieces range from elegant earrings, simple pendants, stunning bracelets and limited edition necklaces. Each piece is hand crafted in a studio overlooking the beautiful Redwood trees of the Santa Cruz Mountains of California.

Dolce Beada jewelry is available for purchase through select retailers and at a limited number of Bay Area Art & Wine shows.