BEHIND THE COLLECTION –
MURANO GLASS BEADS
Invite immersion and inspiration inside this season with an exclusive peek into the becoming of our one-of-a-kind handmade Murano Glass Beads. Learn more about the history, craftsmanship and collaboration behind them as we sit down with goldsmith Line Hallberg and glass artist Maria Popkova for a glimpse into their creative partnership.
Photo: The eye-catching handmade Murano Glass Bead pendants with a 14 karat solid gold eyelet, specially crafted for the iconic FRAGMENTS OF COPENHAGEN collection. Each bead is a unique creation with subtle differences that highlight the artistry of Line Hallberg and Maria Popkova.
Line Hallberg, Goldsmith, on what inspired the collection and her collaboration with Maria
“The first glass beads originated in the Middle East and ancient Egypt around 4000 BC. They played a vital part in the history and becoming of craftsmanship, which Iโve always been incredibly fascinated by. The thought of being able to take a natural material and recreate it into something completely different is truly magical. It emphasises what it means to master a craft as well as the abilities of the material once you let craftsmanship and aesthetics come together as one. A union capable of capturing the past and present in a piece of fine jewellery that can become a part of your personal aesthetic.
With the launch of my Murano Glass Beads, I’ve been so fortunate to work with a talented young glass artist named Maria Popkova, who, in combination with my universe of fine jewellery, has created a celebration of craftsmanship and individuality, that seeks to bring joy to the wearer. With so much chaos in the world, itโs important to carry reminders of hope and joy, which is the true purpose of my colourful Murano Glass Beads: to remind us of the beauty in daily rituals and fill us with happiness about the simple things in life.”ย – Line Hallberg
Photo: Delicately displayed and styled with the classic FRAGMENTS OF COPENHAGEN collection. The Murano Glass Bead pendants add the perfect pop of colour to any look.
“I deeply admire Maria’s ability to create and transform grand ideas into delicate glass beads. She has such an open and creative approach, which is incredibly exciting to become a part of. Itโs a very particular skill carried by imagination and technical knowledge.
I love how sheโs able to bounce off my ideas and combine the two of us in a piece of glass that must live in equal contrast and harmony with my universe of fine jewellery.ย She understands the level of detail and cultural awareness glass beads carry and is capable of unifying the European cultural heritage with the present in her work. It requires immense skill, knowledge and practice to grasp how glass works, its dimensions and its appearance.
I simply love how combining different techniques with colours and dimensions can create a whole new foundation for evolving design that allows for the addition of more colour, structure and styling to my jewellery.” – Line Hallberg
Photo: Glass Artist Maria Popkova @popkova_maria
With their unique craft and point of view, the creative partnership between Line Hallberg and Maria Popkova came naturally, bringing out the very best of goldsmithery and glass artistry. Wanting to know more about the driving force behind Marias’ captivating work, we asked her about her introduction to the craft, her mesmerising design process and deepest inspiration.
Maria Popkova, Glass artist, on her work, creative process and personal inspiration
What does craftsmanship mean to you?
Craftsmanship, to me, is the art of shaping my inner world, thoughts, and hidden meanings into tangible expressions. It’s about the freedom to transform raw glass into stories, emotions, passion, and art. This journey of constant learning is where every piece I create reflects my growth, my vision, and my deep connection to this timeless medium.
What inspires you and your work with glass and glass beads?
I draw inspiration from the beauty of nature, deep space and people. Sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unexpected moments. It could be a scene from a movie, a person passing by on the street or a small detail that catches my eye. Then I capture that moment and transform it into something truly special. Those pieces carry a unique energy and sense of power and hold a special place in my heart.
Video: Maria Popkova @popkova_maria Embracing nature’s imperfections, each wrapped bead carries its own expression and personality, making every piece truly unique.
When did your interest in glass beads start and is there a specific time period, country or culture from where glass beads originate or have had an impact, that youโre drawn towards?
I always wanted a hobby to balance my very practical profession, but everything I tried left me unfulfilled. One day while searching for something new, I discovered lampwork beads. I couldnโt believe it was possible to create a tiny bead with a fish inside, all by hand! Intrigued, I found an artist and took a basic course. From the very first lesson, I caught myself dreaming of turning this hobby into my work.
I was especially inspired by a Russian artist who made incredibly detailed beads with jellyfish inside – so intricate that they seemed almost impossible to create. That dream of crafting such perfect, tiny art pieces myself became the driving force behind my journey with glass beads.
Do you remember the first glass bead or piece of glass art, you created?
I think my very first bead was quite an ugly one, but I distinctly remember a particular bead from my first day by the torch. It was a round deep blue bead with silver accents, reminding an ocean with a small sandy island.
Video: Maria Popkova @popkova_maria. With its honey-like texture, Maria sculpts colourful swirled solid glass rods, which later get shaped into one-of-a-kind beads.
Is there a piece youโve made, that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m proud of many of my pieces. My glass galaxies, for instance, are particularly special to me. It was a challenging journey to find the right colours to create the depth of space in a bead without copying other artists’ work and recipes. I’m also incredibly proud of my tiny blown bubbles – they’re the smallest I’ve ever seen, and I don’t think anyone else has made blown bubbles as tiny. I love all my creations. It’s impossible not to appreciate them, even if they aren’t perfect. Sometimes they turn out even better than I imagined. Just like nature, which is beautifully imperfect, my beads also embrace their imperfections.
What is the most exciting or challenging part of working with such a strong yet fragile material like glass?
The most exciting and challenging aspects of working with glass are definitely shaping and colouring. Shaping glass is particularly difficult because, when molten, it naturally wants to form a round shape due to the capillary effect.
As for colour, it can be both challenging and exciting to achieve the desired shade. Unlike paint, glass colour comes from metal oxides within the material. When you mix different colours, these oxides can react with each other, resulting in unexpected colours or patterns. Sometimes, the resulting colour perfectly aligns with your original idea, while other times, it creates an unbelievable new colour that immediately sparks a new creative idea. It’s a dynamic process that adds a layer of excitement and innovation to working with glass.
Photo: Like Line Hallberg and her FRAGMENTS OF COPENHAGEN collection, Maria seeks to capture a moment in time, making the union of their craft undeniably effortless.
What fascinates you the most about working with a physical craft?
What fascinates me the most about working with glass is the mystery of its transformation. I start with a solid glass rod, melt it into a honey-like liquid texture and then shape it into a solid piece. This end piece is both solid and fragile. The process feels almost magical.
Is there something special you seek to pass on to future generations and their approach to design and craftsmanship?
I always seek to pass on a simple yet profound message to future generations: do not be afraid of glass jewellery. This material, while seemingly fragile, holds immense potential for beauty and creativity. I want to share my passion for glass, inspiring others to explore its mystery. I hope that through my work, others will discover the magic of glass and continue to innovate and push the boundaries of craftsmanship.
Explore the union of true goldsmithery and glass artistry through the latest work of Line Hallberg and Maria Popkova.
