I think these beads demonstrate the chasm between handcrafted artisan beads, and mass-produced glass. I'm not a snob about materials, and I use both in my designs, but when looking to make a one-of-a-kind designer piece made with glass, lampwork is my material of choice. It is expensive for a reason - there is a huge amount of work and skill behind every shiny (or etched!) bead. Here's to all those talented lampworkers out there - keep 'em coming! :D