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Seed Beads are measured with backward numbering system, meaning that the larger the number the smaller the bead and common sizes for seed beads are between 6/0 and 14/0. They are usually sold in hanks (larger qty) and packs (smaller qty) for Czech seed beads and by the gram for Japanese seed beads. The differences are Japanese seed beads come in these two sizes 11/0 and 14/0, have a larger hole and a more square profile (where Czech seed beads are round) which makes a nice pattern and texture when weaving.
Crystal Beads are typically made out of glass and faceted to reflect light. The most commonly known crystals are Swarovski. Crystals come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but the most common are between 3mm - 8mm and are either round, bi-cone, or cube shaped. Pearls are almost always sold on strands and are usually either freshwater (natural, uneven appearance), or glass. You will most likely want to string pearls on a silk thread - with or without knots between the pearls - for long wearing string resilience. Pearls are created in a few different shapes from oblong to round. Sometimes you can find pearls that have holes only half-way through the bead, these can be glued to earring posts for a more conservative earring look. Helpful hint: Pearls have very small holes so pick a finer stringing material. Natural gemstone is sold in different sizes and shapes, including chips, round, tubes, oblong, etc. Some of the more commonly found gemstones are: Amethyst, Lapis, Jade, Turquoise, Carnelian, Labradorite, Tigereye, Garnet, Jasper, Onyx, Quartz, Agate, and Topaz. Helpful hint: Check the holes of your natural gemstones when purchasing, the holes are sometimes not drilled properly (or drilled multiple times), so it can make stringing difficult to impossible. Venetian beads are usually round flat discs that have a flower or star shape design in them. They are hand made by melting multiple tubes of colored glass together to form the final round design, then are cut into individual beads (kind of like cutting round cookies from refrigerated dough). I saw these created in Murano, Italy, during a vacation some time ago - very delicate work! Helpful hint: String Venetian beads on colored thread to help play off the bead tones - red thread, knotted between each bead, is good for this and gives the authentic appearance of those sold in Italy. Handmade beads come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. The most typical appearance is a round glass bead of one color, with small glass drops of a different color in spots around the outside of the bead. You might see them also created as fish, teapots, or whatever the artist dreams up. |
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image of a tube of Japanese seed beads