Beads Description Glossary

Aurora Borealis Beads – These beads have a rainbow reflective finish and are so called as they are likened to the astrological phenomena known as the Northern Lights.

Bohemian Beads – These are glass beads are usually made in the Czech republic, which has a long history of quality designer glass making. Czech beads are usually more expensive than Indian beads or bead made in China

Bugle Beads - These beads are tubular in shape and are useful for smaller designs intricate beadwork.

Cane Beads - The beads are made by hand with long canes of glass. American cane beads are by far the best quality but because of this the prices can seem expensive. Mixes of Indian and Chinese cane beads are cheaper alternatives. They are also known as Art Glass beads, Candy Cane beads or Furnace beads.

Cats Eye Beads – These beads have a reflective iridescent type of finish.

Cloisonné Beads – These beads are made by form enamel fused with metal in most instances. They are very ornate

Crystal Bead – These are lead glass beads usually faceted and have a high shine. The higher the lead content the clearer the crystal. Swarovski have been a leading manufacturer for years however there are other manufacturers. Quality and price are factors that have to be considered when making a purchase.

Crackle Beads – These beads are made by plunging hot glass into water to create cracks, which reflect which light.

Donuts Beads – These are flattened discs with a central large hole. These are often available in semi precious stone, glass and wood.

Faceted beads – These are beads that are cut in a fashion to create made sides or faces. These beads reflect light and create sparkle

Frosted Beads – These beads have a dull finish similar to a coating of ice.

Focal Beads – These beads are so termed because they have a special appearance and so become the focus of attention within a jewellery design.

Gem Stone Beads – These are beads made from precious or semi precious stones.

Gold Foil Beads – These beads contain gold foil leaf, and are generally more expensive because of there gold content.

Lampwork Beads – These beads are made by hand with a torch. They are often elaborately decorated.

Pressed Beads – These beads are made from a mould and are more uniform in shape than hand made beads

Rondelle Beads – These are flatter and more squat than a regular bead. They are often used as spacers

Seed Beads – These are made of short sliced glass cane. The higher the grade number the larger the size of bead.

Silver Foil Beads –These beads contain silver foil leaf and generally more expensive because of their silver content.

Lustre Beads – These beads are opaque with a glistening iridescent lustre. The finish can be non-uniform in appearance.

Marble Beads – These beads are so called because of their similar appearance to marble graining. Whilst not being made of marble stone these beads are prized because of their decorative appeal.

Millefiori Beads – These beads were Italian in origin and are so called because of their floral, and sometimes cane like appearance.

Iridescent Beads - These beads have a more uniform glistening surface colour which catches the light and gives a an almost metallic appearance

Translucent Bead – These beads allow light to penetrate through the bead so that the bead is see through.

Transparent Beads – The beads are clear and light easily penetrates to give a clear see through appearance.

Opaque Beads – These beads do not allow light to penetrate the exterior and therefore there is no transparency.

Matt Beads – These beads have a dull non-reflective finish.

Venetian Beads – These beads have a style that originated in Venice but has since been copied by many other countries. Sometimes called wedding cake beads these beads are often made in India and more recently in China

Milk Glass Beads – These beads are thought to originate from Germany and are so called because of their milky appearance.

Murano Glass Beads – These beads are highly prized in the bead world for their clarity and high quality finish made on the Italian island of Murano these beads are highly priced because of the skill and workmanship involved in their manufacture. More recently Murano style beads have been made in China and India.