Each bead is held in my hand and applied to a diamond wheel mounted in a custom lathe machine. I have several different wheels -- each creating a different effect into the surface of the bead. The texture can vary depending on which wheel I use and what I envision for each bead. Some have a random faceting or patterned faceting, while others have grooves engraved into each facet. Some beads are engraved with vertical or horizontal grooves. The grooves can be very subtle or deeply engraved; sometimes patterned and sometimes not. This technique gives each bead a unique visual and tactile surface.

When I start engraving a Battuto bead, the first places to touch the diamond wheel are the bead holes. I engrave both ends to match. Engraving is done with water dripping onto the wheel that cools the glass. I change to another diamond wheel, which will give a different texture to the surface. I begin to engrave into the surface - following where two colors come together or creating a pattern onto a solid color bead -- other times just engraving random areas on the surface. All the time, I’m keeping watch on the overall balance and shape, making sure that every surface of the bead has been touched by the wheel.