Key Properties of Glass Beads

What makes glass beads so popular and a darling of many jewelers? You might have to do a lot of research before getting right answers to that. The truth is that key properties of these beads are the ones that make them unique and adorable. They can easily standout from the rest in the market and that is a reason enough to consider glass beads for your jewelry project. In making your choices, consider the following properties to ensure the choice you make is the right one:

• Size- this is a very critical property that should be given top priority all the time. The size of glass beads varies from one manufacturer to another and you must be aware of that. Also, size can depend on the specific part of the body they will be used. For instance, those for the neck will come in different size from those for the wrist. You must go for beads of a size that you feel will not be a burden to your body. It should match well with your own body size and any other accessories that you have put on.

• Shape- this is another property that must be given due consideration. Do you want rounded, rectangular or triangular shaped glass beads? All these are alternatives that you will get in the market for consideration. Some of the shapes might be difficult to access but you must leave to it that the choice you make is the ideal one.

• Surface- the surface of your beads can either be smooth or rough. Luckily for glass material, its surface is mostly smooth but that does not mean you will never get those with rough surfaces. You will get whatever you are looking for in terms of the surface texture so don’t limit your considerations.

• Chemical- the chemical property of glass material for making beads matters a lot. This is because glass beads seem to be unaffected anytime they are subjected to different environmental conditions unlike many other types in the market. Whether its pressure, temperatures, moisture or light irradiation; the beads remain natural.

• Thermal- this is a property of glass that you need to know about when buying the material for making beads. Glass has very low thermal expansion and that means beads have a very high dimensional stability whenever exposed to high temperatures. They can withstand the pressure coming from heat which translates to durability.

• Hard- naturally, glass comes with hardness thus it can be hard to break unless mishandled. If you handle your glass beads with a lot of care, they will serve you for long without breaking. The hardness assures beads durability and it’s something to think about seriously when making a choice.

• Transparent- you can see through the glass material and it’s yet another top property that makes it good for making beads.

When deciding whether to use glass for making beads or not, considering these properties will be a good starting point. It will help you understand very well what you are going for. 

Different Types of Beads for Jewelry Making

Beads for jewelry making are small objects with holes at the center that are strung together to make beaded jewelry. Beads can be made using different types of materials such as wood, glass, acrylic, bone and metal among other types of material. Beads go back a long way to when they were first used as currency and as cultural talismans. Today, beads are widely used to make jewelry and also in a variety of craft projects.

There are many kinds of beads for jewelry making available in the market. The variety of beads available means that any jewelry maker can design and create unique jewelry pieces to suit any taste. The choice of jewelry beads used by a jewelry designer will depend on cost, shape, color, durability and how they fit into one’s design. Buyers of jewelry, buy beaded jewelry based on cost, design, durability and comfort.

Different types of beads used in jewelry making

When it comes to jewelry beads, there is no shortage of materials available. Some of the beads you can use in jewelry design include:

-    Wood beads

As the name suggests, wood bead are made from woods of different types. There are beads made from softwood and hardwood. Some good examples are rosewood beads, ebony beads, sandalwood beads and palm wood beans among others. Wooden beads make excellent organic jewelry pieces especially when combined with earthy material such as bones, hooves, feathers, and metals. Although wood beads are not as expensive as gem beads, they still make amazing jewelry items that can be worn on any occasion.

-    Acrylic beads for jewelry making

Acrylic is a material made out of plastic that sometimes resembles glass. Beads made of acrylic are available in the clear form or colored form. Acrylic beads are often used to make faux jewelry items. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Acrylic beads make excellent necklaces and earrings.

-    Metal beads

Metal beads for jewelry making offer a wide selection to choose from such as those made from silver, gold, copper, brass and pewter. Precious metals make expensive beads hence not everyone can afford them. However, beads made from base metals such as brass, bronze and copper are much more affordable than those made from precious metals. Metal beads are quite versatile; they can be used as spacers or as the main material in different kinds of jewelry. Metal beads are used to make earrings, necklaces, and bangles.

Buy beads online

Other examples of beads to purchase for jewelry making are crystal beads, glass beads, and clay beads. Whichever type of beads you desire the best place to purchase beads is online. Online beads for jewelry making are affordable, and purchasing beads online is convenient. You save a lot of money when you purchase beads online because you don’t have to move from brick and mortar bead shops. Online shops also sell beads on wholesale that will reduce expenses even further. Purchasing beads online is easy and convenient so why not make your beads purchases online today!