15 May 2015 Beaded Jewelry Sets

We all love beaded jewelries. But how many of us know about the types of beads available in the world.

There are so many bead types that the names are just not enough! Here we’ve summarized the most common types of beads that make beautiful jewelry settings. Here is an interesting overview.

In modern times Acrylic beads is the most common bead that is made of plastic or polymerized materials such as Fimo Polymer clay, resin and other plastics. They are usually light, inexpensive and suitable for a wide range of fashion jewelry.

Next to it we have the Crystal beads that are high quality glass beads that have facets cut into their surface. Crystals can be cut into many different shapes such as bicones, rivoilis, rounds and rondelles.

Wood and Ceramic Beaded Jewelry Set

The third most preferred are the Glass beads, one of the most common materials for beads to be made of; they range from cheap all-purpose round, square or shaped beads, right up to top quality cut crystal such as Swarovski crystals and Preciosa Pressed glass beads. Glass beads often evoke a more expensive look and feel due to their weight and finish so are more often than not the most logical choice for professional and amateur jewelry makers and buyers. Glass beads are very sought after because they are made to look like other types of beads at a fraction of the price, such as glass pearls and semi precious beads.

And then we have the costlier ones like pearl beads. Pearl beads come in either genuine freshwater pearls or coated glass pearls. Either types have varying degrees of quality associated with them, but generally freshwater pearls are more expensive and therefore often more sought after than glass pearls. Freshwater pearls are often dyed to different shades to make them more marketable and versatile.

Turquoise Pearl Beaded Jewelry Set

Semi precious beads are made using semi precious stones. These are the natural mineral that can be made into a bead, such as agate, hematite, turquoise etc.

Apart from these there are several other varieties like Bugle Beads are often grouped with seed beads; they are small tubular beads that typically range from 3mm up to 12mm in length. Then there are Czech Glass Beads that are often deemed the best quality pressed glass beads in the world. And then there are not so desirable wooden beads!

Browse through our special collection of beaded jewelry sets and add have a most versatile jewelry set for yourself.

Pushpita is a freelance writer on world handicrafts and lifestyle. Pushpita holds a Masters in English literature and is a rich media professional.