Some discoveries change the way you create forever.
In January 2011, while browsing the artist bead section of limabead.com, I stumbled upon something extraordinary — two exquisite lampwork glass hearts, one red with white dots, the other ocean blue with silver foil. They were made by an artist named Grace Ma, based in California, and they were unlike anything I had ever seen. Playful. Precise. Full of colorful life.
I didn't know it then, but that moment was the beginning of a fifteen-year love affair with Grace's beads.
Meet Grace Ma
Grace Ma is a California-based lampwork glass bead artist whose work is defined by nature, whimsy, and an extraordinary attention to detail. Her beads celebrate the living world — tiny crabs, dragonflies, butterflies, cherry blossoms, ravens, frogs, and cats — each one a miniature work of art formed in flame.
You can find Grace's beads at gracebeads.com. What sets Grace apart isn't just her artistry — it's her care. When a bead I ordered didn't quite match its listing photo, Grace reached out personally to offer an exchange. That kind of integrity speaks volumes.
I've been buying her beads ever since that first purchase, and for good reason. Grace's creations don't just sit in a collection — they ignite imagination and inspire designs I never could have dreamed up on my own.
The Beads — Maker's Corner
At Ruby Acorn, we believe that extraordinary jewelry begins with extraordinary materials. That's why we created Maker's Corner — a curated space where you can shop Grace's beads directly and find your own inspiration!!
Here's what's available now:
Warm, earthy, and utterly autumnal — these beads are the colors of harvest season distilled into glass.
For the cat lovers!! Grace's cat pendant is tender and sweet — perfect for anyone who knows that a cat's love is one of life's greatest gifts!
Rich, moody, and utterly captivating — Grace's Dakota Quilt rondelles are a study in contrast. Deep reds, smoky blacks, and crisp whites swirl together in a palette that feels both bold and timeless. These are the beads that inspired our Vampire Waltz Asymmetrical Earrings — and one look at them tells you exactly why. If you're drawn to drama and elegance in equal measure, Dakota Quilt was made for you!
🌊 🔥 Blue & Orange Borosilicate Rondelles
Unexpected. Luminous. Utterly unforgettable. Grace's Blue & Orange boro rondelles are a masterclass in artistic contrast — a vivid dance between a deep, oceanic blue and a warm, fiery orange. These aren't beads that whisper — they sing! Whether you're building a statement piece or adding a single electric accent, these rondelles will take your breath away!
Made with Grace — The Collection
When Grace's beads arrive at the Ruby Acorn studio, something magical happens. Each bead carries a story, and our job is to listen — and let it lead!!
This season, three pieces in particular capture the drama and elegance that Grace's beads inspire!!
Dark, mysterious, and breathtaking — The Raven features Grace's stunning raven lentil pendant in a rich red, white, and black palette. Luxurious and boldly one-of-a-kind, this piece is for the woman who wears her magic unapologetically!!
🥀 Vampire Waltz Asymmetrical Earrings
Asymmetrical by design and dramatic by nature, Vampire Waltz features Grace's Dakota Quilt rondelle beads in that same striking red, white, and black color story. These earrings move like a waltz — unexpected, elegant, unforgettable!!
Grace's black cat lentil — white and black with a tiny red heart — takes center stage in this playful yet sophisticated bracelet. Paired with red tagua nut coins and black and red onyx rounds, the Kitty Cat bracelet completes our red, white, and black trio with a wink and a purr!! 🐱
A Note from the Studio
Fifteen years is a long time to love someone's work. I may not know Grace Ma personally, but I know her through her beads — through the care she puts into every curve of glass, every color choice, every tiny detail. That connection between maker and maker is something rare and precious.
When you wear a piece from the Made with Grace collection, you're wearing the artistry of two makers — Grace, who created the bead, and me, who fell in love with it and built something new around it.
That's the beauty of Maker's Corner. And that's the story behind every bead.
As always, to keep your Ruby Acorn jewelry looking its best, please avoid moisture, body lotion, liquid scents, and sunscreen.
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