Murano glass beads in a curved shape, either round or flattened on one side. This shape of Venetian glass beads requires a little more skill to make as there is a very real risk of damaging the bead and making it unusable. The bead maker bends the hot, soft copper rod, called a mandrel to make the curve in the bead. This must be done very carefully so as not to pinch the soft copper rod, closing the hole. Fortunately, our bead makers are the most skilled in the world and make perfect curves nearly every time.