Shopping For Glass Beads

When we speak of jewelry making and crafting, bead working is the number one in the list of the most popular in the world.  You can possibly create nearly anything with beads, from playful kids’ crafts to elegant necklaces and bracelets. Crafters are offered an opportunity to consider ample selections of beads for every project. There are different kinds of beads and each one of them has specific applications. Plastic beads, for example, are great for children’s crafts, while glass beads are considered for some sophisticated pieces.

Beautiful and fascinating creations that they are, glass beads were and still are being used as gifts, symbols of high status, works of arts, and at some point in time, as currency. They have been traded, created and worn as jewelry by the ancient and civilized societies that include Romans, Egyptians, Native Americans, and Vikings.  These beads are handcrafted and vary when it comes to shape, style, color, and design, which diversity make the beads versatile and perfect for projects of many kinds.

Because glass beads are available in a wide range of appearances and styles, doing a little shopping before going through with the purchase is a great idea. The attractive colors and structures can distract you easily, so looking at all the bead elements is very important. This will allow you to make the best selection that will efficiently work for the project that you intend to do.

When shopping for glass beads, there are some considerations that you need to consider. Some of these include the types, appearances, sizes, fragility, and the holes of the beads. The types of these beads are the result of artisans producing them through many different ways. You should be aware of the main types that include pressed glass, Milliefori, blown, lamp work, Vintage, and others. While the appearance of these beads is largely dictated by the bead type, knowing the available specific features such as color, texture, and pattern, is also worth considering. 

In terms of size, most glass beads are from 4mm to 8mm, but they can be purchased in smaller or larger sizes also. You need to make sure that the bead size is proportionate to the project’s overall size; as there should be a balance of the elements. Very small beads are as hard to find as they are to use. When it comes to cost, larger beads are more expensive because they require more materials to produce. If you buy wholesale, it would be better if you purchase in different sizes that when used together, will provide added interest to your project.

These beads are reasonably sturdy even if the majority of people think of it as very delicate and easy to break. If your design requires a bracelet to wear everyday, you use more sturdy beads because it will likely see more use that will make it break easily.  The size and placement of the holes of the beads are also important considerations. Remember that different beads have different size holes and are also differently placed, so checking out on this will prevent you from facing some issues later on.