Art of the Bead - Our Story

Who would think a childhood passion for mixing watercolors would be the start of a career? What a coincidence that two friends with the same passion would find each other. Such was the luck when Lori Burr moved across the street from Elyce Berenzweig. Both women were successful textile designers looking for a new way to express their creativity. Though the pair enjoyed many artistic pursuits together the catalyst for their business turned out to be the personal need for a chain to hold eyeglasses. Unsatisfied with the offerings on the market the duo decided to create their own. The response was immediate - wherever they went women stopped Lori and Elyce and bought the decorative eyeglass holders right off their necks. That's when they knew they were on to something!

Art of the Bead was born and the line quickly expanded to include handcrafted earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

The kindred spirits have stayed true to their roots; the essence of their work is their innate sense of color combinations, texture and design.

"We still love to mix color, we've just traded in our paintbrushes for a palette of colorful beads and stones" says Burr. "Ours is a true partnership - we collaborate on every design. We both have our own point of view - I like things a bit edgy and flashy, while Elyce gravitates towards a more understated elegance. We've found that when we merge our ideas the results are unique and exciting. The unexpected combination of our individual tastes take on a whole new look".

Art of the Bead designs can be found in jewelry stores and high end boutiques.