I am searching for a source of Venetian glass seed beads to compensate for areas of loss in a 17th c. English beaded, lidded box (a.k.a. casket, cabinet). The replacement beads will be 'marked' as non-original by the modern material of (polyester filament)  threaded through them before application and/or a barrier layer of tinted Japanese paper beneath.

Any suggestions of sources of old beads or a glass worker/ bead maker who could custom-make new beads for the project would be appreciated.

Description: very small glass seed beads, 2.2mm diameter  (11/0) and 1.5mm diameter (15/0 ) in solid, opaque colors, rounded edges. Limited quantities of up to 150 each of  8-10 colors needed. A sample of every color is available for those viable leads.

My internet searches, queries to many antique dealers & several glass makers, visits to many beading stores have not been fruitful.

Thanks.

Virginia J. Whelan
Textile Conservator
Merion Station, Pennsylvania USA