As a USA based artist, I find it important to mention that not all fine jewelry artists are in the USA, and not all makers of handmade jewelry in the USA produce quality pieces. One of the glass lampwork bead makers I most admire is Gail Kopps in Germany, and one of the finest jewelry artists emerging in the market today is Magdelena Bjorko of Cyprus. Murano Italy is home to some of the finest glass bead makers in the world (and there is a thriving market for Murano knockoffs).
