Effetre
Effetre (soft glass) is a soda lime based glass and is called soft because it has a lower melting temperature, holds heat longer, has a longer working time when removed from the flame and is softer and easier to manipulate. Moretti, Murano, Lausha, Bullseye, Satake and P.I.G. are all soft glasses.
Where does Effetre glass come from?
The glasses we use are popular and widely distributed composites known as Moretti, Lauscha and Murano glass. Moretti and Murano are manufactured in Venice, Italy on the island of Murano and Lauscha is manufatured in Germany. Effetre Glass is provided to lampwork artists in the shape of glass rods. The rods are easily spun in the flame which helps evenly distribute the heat. The Effetre company and the island of Murano share a long traditon of Venitian glass manufacturing. The island has been officially designated as an industrial center for glass work since 1291 AD. A close relationship between Artists, Glass Manufacturers, and Merchants has enabled Venice to serve as a world leader in the glass arts since the 1500's.
Many of the reciepes, processes, and raw materials used to create Effetre glass rods are closely guarded secrets handed down over generations. The color in beads made from Murano glass of the 16th century is as bright today as when the beads were made. It is nice to know the beads you see today will be bright and clear in the future as well. A benifit to todays artists is the freedom that years of testing and refinement provide as more combinations of color and style are possible than than ever before.
Lampwork artists throughout the world continue a great Venitian glass working tradition when they choose soft glass.
Borosilicate
Borosilicate (hard glass) is a boron based glass and is called hard because it has a higher melting temperature, does not hold heat very long, has a short working time when removed from the flame and is stiffer than soft glass. Glass Alchemy, Northstar, Colormax, Rooster, Duran and Pyrex are all hard glasses.Borosilicate glass is a very unique and specialized variety of glass. Its composition is different from the "soft" glass that is normally used for beads, paperweights, art glass bowls, ornaments, etc. Borosilicate glass is far stronger than "soft" glass and has been used for everything from stovetop cookware to nuclear waste containment. One of its most frequent uses is to make scientific glassware such as beakers and test tubes.
It will stand up to a lot of wear and tear without having to treat it as carefully as soft glass jewelry. It often amazes people how many "accidents" this glass can survive without breaking or cracking.
