I'm writing this guide so that first time bead buyers have some idea where most of the glass beads come from and why the cost is so varied on glass beads.  The modern day birthplace of fine lampworked glass beads is considered Venice, Italy.  The bead industry moved from Venice to the Island of Murano in the late 13th century because of fire.  The Czech Republic had workers in Murano, Italy that brought back the techniques to the Czech Republic in the mid 19th century where they were competing with the Italians.  Because labor became so expensive, bead making moved to India where fine beads were copied.  Now days the Chinese are a force to be reconed with creating a fantastic variety of top lampworked glass beads for a fraction of the cost.  The premium prices still go to our independent glass bead artists.  If their work is good, they can demand $100 to $300 per bead and made a wonderful living.  These beads are usually for the bead collectors.