FAQs

What are Trollbeads?

Scandinavian 'Trollbeads' is the Original in this now incredibly popular Danish charm bead concept. It was created by the Aagaard family from Copenhagen in 1976 and they still own and run the Trollbeads empire as a family concern. Trollbeads was first in this concept to come to the UK, being launched at the IJL trade fair in London in September 2005.  
Trollbeads is unusual in that each bead has its own story and symbolism which can be interpreted by you to mark an experience or an event. A collection of individually selected beads can be arranged on a Trollbeads foxtail bracelet or chain to create an exclusive and unusual ‘life story’ bracelet or necklace which will be unique to you.  

How do I start?

To begin you need a Trollbeads bracelet and lock. Select a lock from our range and then choose a bracelet length that with the lock is loose enough on your wrist to comfortably slide two or three fingers under the chain. The slack will be taken up as more beads are added and your story unfolds. Remember the bracelet code  in the catalogue includes 2cm for the lock. Therefore a 15219 bracelet is 17cm in length. Big Flower Lock 10101 and Big Fish Lock 10102 are 3cm in length whereas all the other locks measure 2cm in length.

Why are Trollbeads the best?

Apart from being the Original, Trollbeads have one of the smallest cores – which is why Trollbeads will not fit on the majority of the copy chains. Because of the smaller hole / core Trollbeads glass beads are generally stronger than the copy beads.

Trollbeads glass  beads are made of the best quality Italian glass – recognised for its quality throughout the world. It does not matter where glass Trollbeads are made; Trollbeads always import quality Italian glass to the place of manufacture. It is never the policy of Trollbeads to use cheaper, locally sourced glass as the quality would be inconsistent and the vibrancy of the colours would be lost, a trademark of Trollbeads design.

Are Trollbeads made of Murano glass?

No.  Murano glass can only come from the tiny Italian island of Murano  in the bay of Venice, and no Trollbeads are made on the island of Murano. We feel to call them Murano would be wrong as they are made elsewhere – however, all Trollbeads are made of the best quality Italian glass.

Why glass is called Murano, is because it has become a watch-word for quality due to the extraordinary skill base that has developed and been passed down through generations of glass makers over the centuries on the Island of Murano and is still extraordinary today.

Why is design so important to Trollbeads?

Creativity and innovation is the life blood and motivational force for the continuing success of Trollbeads. Trollbeads was started by Lisa Aagaard’s grandfather over 30 years ago – a creative goldsmith and silversmith from Copenhagen, but it was her love of design and experimentation with glass that has taken Trollbeads and the whole charm bead concept to the global success of today.  Lisa, her family and extended family of designers are the creative force that started this phenomenon and they remain the momentum that drives this concept forward, launching new products and ideas for the rest of the industry of copies to follow.

How glass beads are made?

Each bead is made by turning molten glass in an 800°C flame by skilled bead makers from around the world using only the best Italian glass.  Some of the glass beads can have up to 8 separate operations to complete the required design.

Please look at our video of how the glass beads are made – click the link on the Glass bead landing page.

What are OOAK beads?

'One Of A Kind' (pronounced ooakie) are hand-made Italian glass beads that are not part of Trollbeads' general stock. These beautiful one of a kind beads come in kits of 12 beads in nine distinctive colour ways.  Ooak beads can be bought individually or in a colour kit to make a complete bracelet – totally unique to you, there will never be one like it again.

These beads are made by Tibetan refugees living in Dharamsala in Northern India having been personally trained by Lisa Aagaard – the creator of Trollbeads. Their first beads being the Tibetan beads launched in 2007. This was her personal project to help improve the life of a village of impoverished people who now have a thriving industry that has spread to numerous villages across the mountainous area.

 

What are retired beads? 

Exactly that, they are beads that are no longer in our current catalogue. Occasionally discontinued beads can be found in some of our retail outlets. As older beads are retired, new ones appear.

Where are Trollbeads made?

Trollbeads does not rely on just one source for manufacturing as different products require particular skills and expertise. Trollbeads products are manufactured wherever the necessary capabilities can be found and, as a result, the products are manufactured in many countries around the world.

What are the 'Breast Cancer Research Support' beads?

It seems so many of us have been touched by stories of incredible bravery and heart breaking sadness because of breast cancer. Here at Fable Trading Ltd we too want to help in the search for a cure.  In 2007 we pledged our support to Breast Cancer Research Support in the UK, as the UK’s leading charity dedicated in this field.  We chose two beads from the collection that we felt represented the charity best, Rose Ribbon – 61198 and Turquoise Ribbon - 61313. From the profits of these two beads, Fable Trading Ltd has so far donated over £20,000.

Thank you for your support, one day a cure will be found.

How can I have a ‘Scroll’ bead engraved with my message?

All our Trollbeads retail shops have order forms that indicate exactly how many words will fit on a small or a large scroll in either silver or gold. How special are your words to someone?

What is the limited edition 30th Anniversary Bracelet?

In 2006, Trollbeads designed a bracelet to celebrate 30 years of creative success in Denmark. This extraordinary and beautiful bracelet features a lock and beads that will never be made again in silver, glass and 18ct gold. The 30th Anniversary Bracelet is now in limited supply and has proved to be the ultimate gift to celebrate a 30th anniversary.  Each bracelet has an individual serial number to prove its authenticity. 

How do I keep my Trollbeads clean?

We recommend that you gently polish your Trollbeads sterling silver with a silver polishing cloth.
DO NOT use any cleaning fluids; this will result in the removal of the oxidisation of the beads.
NEVER swim in your bracelet or put your beads in hot water.
Take care of your Trollbeads and you will enjoy them for a lifetime, making them a very special heirloom.