TYPES OF BEADS FOR JEWELRY MAKING

Beading is such a fun and creative hobby! We show you the many types of beads available, including materials, drill hole options and shapes to choose from to help you plan and inspire your designs.

Choosing The Material Of Your Beads

The most popular bead materials are Gemstone Beads and Metal Beads. You can also choose from a range of other materials including Glass Beads, Polymer Clay Beads, Resin & Acrylic Beads, Crystal Beads, Wood & Nut Beads and more.

Gemstone Beads

Use precious and semi-precious Gemstone Beads to create beautiful handmade jewelry, using natural gems available in many beautiful shapes and sizes.

Metal Beads

Metal beads are great for contemporary designs, choose from sterling silver, gold and plated beads for your designs in a range of shapes and textures.

What Are The Drill Options For Beads?

Fully Drilled Beads

Fully Drilled Beads are drilled all the way through the center.

Always check the hole diameter on your beads to ensure it will fit with the threading material you wish to use.

Half Drilled Beads

Half Drilled Beads are drilled to a center point, common to use with Pearls and beads that are attached to pegs for earrings. Attach half drilled beads on to the peg findings with a little glue - we recommend B6000 Multipurpose Jewelry And Craft Glue.

Top Drilled Beads

Top Drilled Beads are drilled vertically through the top of the bead, about quarter of the way down. You can insert a post into it and when suspended from a chain or earring the bead appears as a little droplet.

Head Drilled Beads

Head Drilled Beads are drilled horizontally through the top of the bead so that the bead itself hangs lower than the thread. This style of bead is great for creating simple designs using Memory Wire, Chain, or Tiger Tail Wire.

Spacer Beads

Spacer Beads are smaller than your average bead, used to fill spaces in your designs and add texture and decoration.

Large Hole Charm Beads

Large Hole Beads are great for adding to charm bracelets, as well as using with thicker cords and wires.

Discover Your Favorite Shaped Beads...

The best thing about beading is that there are so many possibilities for unique designs! Beads come in a range of stunning shapes and sizes. Check out the range of bead shapes available in our store below...