Charlottes are Czech seed beads with one or two small flat facets ground onto their surfaces.
Cloisonné beads are made of enamel fired on a background, usually metal, to produce a mosaic or stained-glass effect. These beads are highly decorative and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Crystals are crystal beads made out of leaded glass and have a high shine. They are usually faceted for additional shine. The most commonly known crystals are Swarovski but there are Czech crystals too which are of good quality at a cheaper price. Often used for wedding dresses and tiaras, crystal beads are often used for special pieces of jewellery. Clear crystals are often known as rhinestones and can be purchased in a setting (chatons).
Delica beads are perfectly cylindrical modern Japanese glass beads with thin walls and large holes. They come in 2 sizes; a size 11 and a size 8 (often known as a double delica). Delicas are the best choice for bead weaving (on or off loom) and beadwork patterns such as peyote, brick stitch and square stitch as they lie beautifully flat. Our Beadworkers Guild books are a good source of further information on this type of beadwork.
Donuts are just that, flat circles with generous centre holes. They are available in many finishes but are often made from semi-precious stones
Faceted beads are beads that are cut to produce multiple flat faces that create a sparkling effect. Often seen as glass beads e.g. fire-polished or semi-precious e.g. garnets.
Flatbacks are crystals set on one flat side so they can be glued on. You can also obtain iron-on flatbacks for garments.
Gem beads can include natural gemstone, enhanced gemstone or manmade reconstructed materials. Available in various shapes and sizes.
Gemstone chips are polished chips of semi-precious stones (e.g. amethyst, jade) that are irregular in shape. They often come in 36” strands; they have holes for beading and are good value.
Lampworked beads are handmade one at a time by melting slender glass rods with a flame torch. The hot glass is carefully wrapped around a coated wire, which, when removed, forms the hole of the bead. These beads can be made with many different colours and layers of glass and may be highly decorated.
Liquid beads (silver/ gold) are very fine tubes of silver they look “liquid” when strung. Available in lengths similar to bugle beads; great for covering stranded wires.
Pearls can be saltwater or freshwater cultured pearls which are made into beads. Natural pearls are usually pink peach or mauve in colour whilst white pearls are usually an off white or creamy colour.
Rondelles are more compressed than a round bead so are great as spacers. They come in all finishes and sizes. We even sell a rondelle set with crystals.
Rocailles are round seed beads.
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