I had no way of knowing that the purchase of one unique heart-shaped art glass bead so many years ago would lead into a new and exciting journey.  I didn’t know much about my bead, but it was unlike anything I had ever seen and it soon became my favorite piece.  I tried for two years to find more information, but with no success.  Then, while attending the Chicago Gift Show I stopped at a booth and the woman said, “I see you are wearing one of John Curtis’ beads”.  I was so excited!  I had finally found someone who knew something about my piece.  Needless to say, I didn't leave without getting her number so I could contact her for more information. Within two weeks I had made contact and my husband and I were off to visit with "John Curtis" at Zephyr Glass, a business that specialized in making glass tiffany shades.  I should tell you that when I contacted John about my wonderful bead and asked how I could get more, he laughed and said, “making the art glass beads was a hobby and that he used to exhibit and sell his beads at shows but wasn’t doing that anymore”. However, he did have inventory that he would be willing to sell.  Thus began our journey. We made our first major purchase which was the beginning of Alana’s Unique Beads, Jewelry and Gifts.

I can't believe that that has been over 10 years ago. John has been our faithful friend and has provided us with hundreds of unique and lovely lustre art glass beads.  As with all things, time and people change and so has our business.  John has now retired but we will still be offering the same high quality, wearable works of art. We are fortunate to have William Berth, Master Glass Blower, who worked under John Curtis as an apprentice, to carry on this timeless tradition for us.