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Millefiori

mil·​le·​fi·​o·​ri | ˌmi-lə-fē-ˈȯr-ē

noun

A method of creating glass or clay beads with intricate patterns using canes

Mellefiori is a method by which glass or clay beads are given a range of patterns using canes. A type of Murano glass-making, mellefiori may also be known as Murrine, and translates to “thousand flowers” in Italian. The process is used on a number of different types of glass and clay pieces including rings, vases, lamps, pendants, and more. The process dates back to the 16th century in Milan when artisans started experimenting with means by which to emulate the work of Ancient Roman artists. To do so requires a labor-intensive process over the course of several days using multiple layers starting with a specially prepared glass rod.