Small Ring Beads Casting Mold

The Small Ring Beads mold from Colour de Verre casts six round beads per firing, each approximately 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter. Finished beads can be strung on leather, rubber, silk, or metal to create jewelry that ranges from casual and understated to bold and graphic.

The mold measures 4 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch (10 by 15 by 2.5 cm). The cavity design means finished beads typically require little to no cold work such as grinding or polishing after firing, saving time at the bench. This mold pairs well with the Simple Round Beads mold for a broader range of bead sizes in a single studio session.

Like all ceramic casting molds, this one is COE agnostic. Load the cavities with frit or small pieces of fusible glass and fire to the round bead shape. Prime the mold with a boron nitride release agent before every use, as described in the Working Notes below.

What does the Small Ring Beads mold make?
It casts six round glass beads per firing, each approximately 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter. The beads can be strung on leather, rubber, silk, or metal cord for use in jewelry.

What COE glass can I use with this mold?
Any COE. Ceramic casting molds are COE agnostic, so the same mold works with COE96, COE90, or other compatible fusible glass. Use a firing schedule matched to your glass type.

How do I prep the mold before firing?
Prime all cavities with a boron nitride release agent before every use and let it dry completely before adding glass. Colour de Verre requires priming before each firing, not just the first.

Will the beads need cold work after firing?
Typically little to no cold work is needed. The cavity design is intended to release clean finished beads that can go directly to stringing in most cases, though results vary with glass and firing.

Specifications

• SKU: 181058
• Manufacturer: Colour de Verre
• Makes: 6 round beads per firing
• Finished piece size: approximately 1 inch (25 mm) diameter each
• Mold size: 4 inches L x 6 inches W x 1 inch H (10 x 15 x 2.5 cm)
• Pairs with: Simple Round Beads mold
• Material: ceramic kiln casting mold, reusable
• Glass: any COE (COE agnostic)

Working Notes

These are guidelines, not guarantees. Every kiln fires a little differently, so test a small run first when the result matters and follow the Colour de Verre project sheet for this mold.

• Prime all cavities before every use with a boron nitride release agent. Colour de Verre recommends priming before every use; suitable options at ArtGlassSupplies.com include ZYP Boron Nitride Mold Primer and Hotline Primo Primer. Let the primer dry fully before adding glass so the beads release cleanly.
• Load cavities with frit or small pieces of fusible glass. No per-cavity fill weight is listed on the Colour de Verre project sheet for this mold; weigh your glass and test a first run to dial in your preferred fill level.
• The mold is COE agnostic. Use a frit casting schedule suited to your glass type and adjust accordingly.
• Re-prime the mold before each subsequent firing. Let the kiln cool fully before removing the cast beads.

Colour de Verre Suggested Firing Schedule

This is a suggested starting approach based on Colour de Verre general guidance, not a guarantee. Every kiln fires differently. Follow the Colour de Verre project sheet for this mold and test a small run first before committing to a full batch.

• Heat no faster than approximately 350 F (195 C) per hour to avoid thermal shock to the mold or glass.
• Fire to no more than approximately 1450 F (785 C); exceeding this temperature can damage the ceramic mold.
• Add a controlled cool with an anneal soak appropriate for your glass COE; consult the Colour de Verre project sheet and your glass manufacturer for the recommended anneal temperature and hold time.

Helpful downloads: Simple Round/Small Ring Beads (PDF) · Beads as Contemporary Embellishments (PDF) · Tricks of the Trade (PDF) · Priming with ZYP Spray (PDF)

Description updated: July 6, 2026

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