About the different Types of Beads

A discussion on making handmade jewelry would not be complete without mentioning the various types of beads available for jewelry making.   There are many types of beads and all have different properties and appearances.  Each type has a different “personality” to fit the wearer or the maker of the jewelry.  I like to use a lot of “natural” products in my jewelry, but recently have started working with crystal beads and “lampwork” beads.  I enjoy the lampwork beads as each one is a tiny work of art.  I enjoy “cloisonné” beads for the same reason.

Here is a short list of the more popular types of beads:
SEMI-PRECIOUS:  semi-precious stones are cut, shaped, or tumbled, and then polished.  They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.  Chips and nuggets have a natural feel and look, and fit well into jewelry for the person who likes that “rustic” kind of look, mixing well with feathers, wood, or bone beads.  Semi-precious stone can be shaped, or faceted, and paired with crystals or glass for a more “refined” look.  Semi-precious beads also go well with pearls.
CLOISONNE: cloisonné beads are typically all handmade.  They start with a metal bead base, then add metal filaments and permanently “fuse” them to the base in an intricate design.  They then fill in the design with enamel.  Making cloisonné beads is an elaborate and complicated process involving many steps and dates back over 500 years!  They are highly prized for their beautiful designs and brilliant colors.
GLASS:  Glass is a nice medium for beads.  The can be made in various shapes and colors, from opaque to transparent.  There are many effects available as well, including swirls, sparkles, and even crackle glass.  My favorite being “lampwork” beads.
LAMPWORK:  lampwork beads were originally formed over oil lamps that produced a small flame, and the glass was held over it to soften it so it could be “worked” or decorated and shaped into the desired bead.  Hence the term “lamp-work”  This process hasn’t changed that much today.  Although the tools are alittle more sophisticated, the technique is the same.  There seems to be a never ending variety in color, shape, and design in lampwork beads.
PLASTIC:  Plastic beads are inexpensive, and light weight.  And they generally do not break.  One of the downfalls to using plastic beads is they will eventually show signs of wear.  They will scratch, or get chipped and marred around the edges.  They are great for kids’ jewelry.
ACRYLIC:  while acrylic is  type of plastic, there are many differences and acrylic is far superior to plastic.  Acrylic beads definitely have a place in adult jewelry.  I have written a separate article on the benefits to acrylic beads.
PEARLS:  pearls are not stones, but a by-product of an animal.  There are saltwater pearls, and freshwater pearls, natural and cultured.  Pearls are formed when foreign matter somehow enters a mussel or oyster, and since the matter cannot be expelled, the mussel or oyster secretes a substance to surround the foreign matter to reduce irritation.  This substance is the same as the substance used to create the shell.  Eventually the substance gets thick enough and forms the pearl we are familiar with.  Freshwater pearl have a tendency to be odd and irregularly shaped whereas the saltwater pearls are more uniform.  Pearls can come in many colors, and dyes are used to produce the darker “saturated” colors.  Changing the water quality, lighting, and temperature can have an effect on the way a pearl forms as well.
CATS EYE:  There are different “grades” of cat’s eye beads.  Grade “A” is the highest quality.  The quality of the beads stems from the visibility of the “cat eye affect” and the uniformity of it in each bead.  Cat’s eye beads are made from glass fiber optic strands.
WOOD:  wood beads give a warm look to jewelry.  They are available in many shapes and colors.  Some are left natural, some finished with stain, and others may be painted or even have decals added.
BONE:  a very “earthy” bead made from bone.  Usually carved into animal and feather shapes, or long tube shaped beads for stringing onto cord or leather.  Can be left natural color or dyed.  Natural color can be from a white through to dark tan.
MAGNETIC BEADS:  Many of the higher quality magnetic beads you see are called “hemalyke” a version of the stone “hematite”.  Hematite is a natural stone while hemalyke is man-made.  

With all the variety found in beads, and with all the possibilities, jewelry making can be a rewarding hobby, or even a profitable one.  Competition is fierce!  Remember to never undersell yourself, and what your time is worth!  Most important: REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!  That way you never lose!