Tribal Beads

The Tribal Beads mold from Colour de Verre casts a set of frit-formed glass beads based on a stylized ancient design. All of the beads measure 1 inch (25 mm) wide, and the cavities vary so finished lengths range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 64 mm). The mold body measures 4.5 inches by 7 inches by 1 inch deep (11.5 x 18 x 2.5 cm).

The mold is engineered so that cast pieces almost never need cold work after firing, meaning no grinding or polishing in most cases. The beads come out ready to string on leather, rubber, silk, or metal cord for a range of jewelry projects, from casual everyday wear to more elaborate necklace designs. This design also coordinates with the Colour de Verre Simple Round Beads and Small Ring Beads molds.

Like all ceramic casting molds, this one is COE agnostic. Fill the cavities with frit matched to your project and fire to a casting schedule suited to your glass. Prime the mold before every use with a boron nitride release.

What does the Tribal Beads mold make?
It casts a set of frit-formed glass beads, each 1 inch wide, with finished lengths ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on the cavity. The beads are ready to string after cooling in most cases, with little to no cold work required.

Do the finished beads need grinding or polishing?
Colour de Verre engineers these molds so that cast pieces almost never require any cold work. In most firings the beads come out clean and ready to use straight from the kiln.

What COE glass can I use?
Any COE. Ceramic casting molds are COE agnostic, so the same mold works with COE96, COE90, or other fusible glass. Match your firing schedule to the glass you are using.

How do I prep the mold before each firing?
Prime all cavities with a boron nitride mold release before every use and let the primer dry completely before adding glass. Colour de Verre recommends a boron nitride aerosol release for this mold.

Specifications

• SKU: 182321
• Manufacturer: Colour de Verre
• Makes: tribal style frit-cast glass beads
• Finished bead size: 1 inch (25 mm) wide, 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 64 mm) long depending on cavity
• Mold size: 4.5 inches L x 7 inches W x 1 inch deep (11.5 x 18 x 2.5 cm)
• Material: ceramic kiln casting mold, reusable
• Glass: any COE (COE agnostic)
• Coordinates with: Colour de Verre Simple Round Beads and Small Ring Beads molds

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 with a boron nitride mold release before every use. Colour de Verre recommends ZYP Boron Nitride Mold Primer or Hotline Primo Primer. Apply and let the primer dry completely before loading glass.
• Fill the cavities with frit to form the bead shapes. The mold is COE agnostic, so use frit matched to your project glass.
• Let the kiln cool fully before removing the cast beads. Re-prime the mold with a boron nitride release before the next firing.

Colour de Verre Suggested Firing Schedule

This is a suggested starting schedule, not a guarantee. Every kiln fires differently. Follow the Colour de Verre project sheet for this mold and test a small run first.

• Heat no faster than about 350 F (195 C) per hour during the initial ramp to avoid thermal shock to the mold and glass.
• Fire to a casting peak of no more than about 1450 F (785 C).
• After the peak, bring the kiln down to an anneal soak with a controlled cool. A standard anneal soak is about 950 F for COE96 glass, or about 900 F for COE90 glass.
• Do not open the kiln or remove the beads until it has cooled fully to room temperature.

Helpful downloads: Priming Molds With ZYP Spray (PDF)

Description updated: July 6, 2026

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