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Glossary - Jewellery

BEADS

Beads come in all shapes and sizes.  Seed beads are the most common. They are available in a large variety of finishes and colours. They  are classified as such; 11/0 or 11° is the most common bead size.  The higher the number the smaller the bead.

crystal beads

Crystals are machine cut to produce multiple facets which catch and reflect light. A quality make of crystal is Swarovski. These crystals sparkle stunningly and create beautiful special effects. The bicone is the most common shape of crystal. You can also get ovals, cubes, and teardrops. Crystal are available in a range of finishes such as (AB) Aurora Borealis and lustre.

glass beads

Pressed glass beads are formed from pouring molten glass into a mould. Hence they are available in numerous shapes and sizes. Common shapes are cubes, rounds, pyramids, flowers and leaves.  Pressed faceted beads are an inexpensive alternative to crystal or cut glass beads. 

Rocailles are versatile and indispensable glass beads.  They are made in various colours and finished with a silver lining, AB coated or lustred. They are cushion shaped and range in size from 2mm to 5mm.

Porcelain and ceramic beads are made all over the world.  Some exquisite hand-painted ones come from China.  The rougher clay beads are usually made in  Thailand.

Cloisonne and Enamel

These beads are only made in China and Thailand. They are metal based and beautifully finished with detailed enamel patterns in gorgeous colours.

pearls

These are one of the favourite beads. The come in many forms, colours and sizes. They are manufactured - plastic, cultivated and exist naturally.

semi-precious beads

Semi-precious stones are available in all the usual shapes and sizes as well as in the form of inexpensive tumble chips. These beads have extravagant names like Lapis, Lazuli, Carnelian and Citrine.  These stones enhance the quality and value of any jewellery piece.  Some of these stones are birthstones and will make meaningful gifts.

Opaque

Light can't pass through it

Transparent

Light can pass through it. Often referred to as "glass"

Translucent

Allows some transmission of light through it

Matte

Dull appearance, achieved by tumbling beads or dipping in a glass etching solution

Silver Lined

Mirror like finish inside the bead. Which adds sparkle to the bead

Colour Lined

A  two colour mix with an opaque colour inside of a transparent bead

Luster

A very shiny finish covering the entire outer layer of the bead.

Ceylon

Translucent bead with a luster finish

Dyed

A process of surface colour dying often seen in Japanese beads. Colour will come off if you do not protect them. Clear spray paint may be used

Metallic Bead

Surface has a glazed on metal like finish. Which adds shine to the bead

AB (Aurora Borealis)

A rainbow like surface which has been glazed onto the bead

  more bead info

bugle bead

small tube shaped glass bead, length 2mm to 25mm

barrel bead

bead with obvious barrel shape

crow

crow and pony beads are basically the same thing. The French Fur Traders used these beads to trade with  Native Americans, around 1675. Both types of beads have large holes which make them easy to string onto leather. Both are also barrel shaped.

crumb bead

bead decorated by rolling in granules of coloured glass

crystal

bright clear glass or semi-precious stone facet cut to give brilliant sparkle

filler beads

mass produced beads used as fillers especially in long necklaces and other fashion accessories

daisy wheel bead

cushion shaped bead with daisy wheel design

pearl

oysters, clams or mussels secrete calcium carbonate in response to irritation caused by sand or foreign bodies getting under the shell

miracle bead

plastic beads given a glowing lustre by including a metallic layer beneath the surface in their manufacture

bicone

beads with cone shaped ends

lamp bead

handmade beads crafted by using the intense heat of a lamp to melt glass cane

feature bead

the dominant or most important bead in a necklace

faience bead

small bead first made as early as 4000bc from a fine round or tubular glaze. Usually blue green or white

Heishi

small tube shaped metal bead

porcelain

very fine ceramic material first used by Chinese to produce fabulous beads

roundel

these are more doughnut shaped, with a centre hold. They come in both smooth and faceted form. Sometimes  they are set with rhinestones.