Hi everyone Jahndra here! Below is the continuation of Jiji’s post, explaining the differences in classes between beads. I learned a lot when I read her article so I hope you do too!

Jiji’s article continued:

Trollbeads Glass 101
For this specific article I am referencing round glass beads or muranos. There are other beads made with glass such as dangles and beads that are part silver and part glass, but those are not what I am referencing here. Each and every glass Trollbead is handmade by glass artisans, meaning each one will be slightly different. What is the difference between Production Glass Beads, Limited Edition Glass Beads, Event/Exclusive Glass Beads and Unique Glass Beads? Production beads are beads that are in current production, they are part the regular Trollbeads line. Production glass is supposed to be Trollbeads very best glass designs. Productions beads have two classes which indicates price and degree of workmanship. Class 1 beads are the 1st tier and the most affordable production glass beads, most currently priced at $39 each aside from the 6 prisms which are $28, (prism beads are the smaller glass beads such as the denim prism, the lime prism, the lavender prism, etc). That is changing however, I will discuss this further in a moment. Class II beads are more intricate works of art and take more skill and craftsmanship to make therefore command a higher price point varying from $50-72.

Limited Edition Glass Beads are beads that are produced in limited and sometimes very specific quantities. When they are sold out that’s its they will not produce anymore. The best examples of these tend to sell out quickly for fear of not being able to obtain them in the future.

Event Glass Beads are glass beads made in limited quantities for a specific event or occasion and can only be purchased at said event or on said occasion. These beads will never be part of the regular Trollbeads line. If a dealer hosts a Trollbeads Event, Trollbeads used to cater to them and make them their own special event bead that could only be purchased in person the day of the event. There were specific rules put in place that these beads could not be sold online in order to attract more ppl to these events. Most recently in 2019 Trollbeads started doing only 1 event bead for everyone. I think they started to get over whelmed by the # of events and request for rare beads to get ppl into the stores. In 2019 they also introduced a birthday bead. The only way to get this bead was to have a birthday party at your local dealer where you and your friends will be able to purchase the bead. They have continued this for 2020. Unfortunately this leaves many of us high and dry bc there are fewer and fewer Trollbeads retailers in general. They are very hard to find in stores now.

Unique Glass Beads are beads that are not part of the regular Trollbeads line. The designs are made in very small quantities, some designs only a handful of that. They do not have names like the Production beads and won’t be found in catalogs. Uniques are highly sought after by collectors world wide. In the past these used to be called OOAKS or One Of A Kinds because they were just that, a one of a kind bead that you could not find in multiples, no one else would have it. Trollbeads changed that years ago by producing more of these “one of a kind” designs which became an inaccurate description so they are now called Uniques.

Tricks/Tips:
1. If you can, always buy glass beads on the 1st release, you get the best examples that way. The 1st release are made in Denmark which turn out far more nice examples of each new bead. After the 1st release the beads are then made elsewhere. I find a lot of the important details tend to get lost, they are just not made as well in my opinion or maybe they are just made to fast idk.
2. I personally only buy glass beads from live photos. The reason is to ensure you get the best example possible for your hard earned money. These little bits of glass and silver are not cheap, don’t settle for an inferior bead. That said, everyone has different tastes so what might appeal to me might not appeal to you. Many dealers will send you pics if you ask and some do it on a regular basis on their website to improve sales.

2020 Trollbeads Glass Price Increase
Now for the big news…Starting Jan 17 2020, Trollbeads is increasing the price of their glass beads. Sigh. The most affordable tier, Class 1, are increasing from $39 to a whopping $50! Each! What?! A handful of the Class 2 beads are increasing from $50 to $61. That means ALL production beads will now be at the very least $50. That is insane to me. Their reasoning is because the glass designs are far more intricate than ever before, which is true the designs get better every year, however I still don’t think that justifies the huge price jump. They have been producing more intricate designs for years now. The current price is sufficient IMO. With this increase that pretty much puts me out of the market unless it is the most drop dead gorgeous bead I have ever seen. $50 for a bit of glass and silver is a lot to ask of their customers. One positive thing to note is that any retired beads will not see the price increase, they will remain at $39. If there are any Production beads you have been eyeing or thinking about, get them now before the price increase. There still time. I am thinking about grabbing some of the 2019 Autumn beads like flower of Poise which is so stunning. What do you think? Is the price increase justified? What class 1 production glass beads are on your wish list? Will you be buying anything before the price increase? Hit the comments and let us know!

Below are some samples of Jiji’s luxurious Trollbeads bracelets!!!