Measuring knots between glass pearls is an essential skill for jewelers and beading artisans who specialize in creating classic, elegant pieces like hand-knotted necklaces and bracelets. In traditional pearl stringing, small knots are tied between each bead to prevent loss in the event of breakage, protect the beads from rubbing against each other, and enhance …
Czech glass beads have long held a prestigious place in the world of beadwork and jewelry making, celebrated for their quality, vibrant colors, and vast variety of shapes and finishes. However, working effectively with Czech beads requires a clear understanding of their unique sizing terminology, which can be both rich in tradition and distinct from …
A bead board is an essential tool in the workspace of many jewelry makers, offering an organized and efficient way to plan out designs, lay out beads, and measure stringing lengths. Among the most important features of a bead board is its integrated ruler, typically molded into the recessed channels or etched along the edges …
Bead size tolerances are a foundational yet often misunderstood aspect of bead manufacturing and design. While the listed size of a bead—such as 6 mm or 11/0—serves as a general guideline, the actual physical dimensions of each bead can vary slightly due to the constraints of materials, production methods, and finishing processes. This permissible range …
Seed beads are among the most versatile and widely used materials in the world of beadwork, appearing in everything from delicate embroidery and loom designs to elaborate jewelry and cultural regalia. However, the method by which seed beads are measured and sold—most commonly by weight rather than by count—presents a number of challenges for artisans, …
Micro beads, typically defined as beads smaller than 2 millimeters in diameter, demand a higher level of precision when it comes to measuring. Their diminutive size makes traditional tools like standard rulers or even calipers less effective for fine measurement tasks, especially when consistency across batches is required for precision beading techniques. In these cases, …
Understanding bead hole diameter is fundamental to successful jewelry and beadwork design. Whether creating intricate bead weaving, stringing beads onto wire, or constructing components for earrings and pendants, knowing the exact size of a bead’s hole determines compatibility with threads, cords, findings, and other structural materials. One of the most reliable and efficient tools for …
Crystal beads are renowned for their brilliance, precision, and visual sophistication. They are a staple in both high-end and everyday jewelry, appreciated for their light refraction and clarity. Many crystal beads are further enhanced with surface coatings that impart iridescence, metallic finishes, or custom colors, dramatically expanding the palette available to designers. However, these coatings, …
Read more “Accounting for Coating Thickness in Crystal Beads”
Working with polymer clay allows for immense creativity in bead making, offering limitless possibilities in shape, texture, and color. However, one of the most critical considerations during the design process is accurately sizing beads before baking. Because polymer clay undergoes subtle changes during curing—primarily due to heat exposure, handling, and sometimes slight compression—accounting for these …
In the realm of beadwork, particularly in techniques such as bead weaving, embroidery, and intricate stringing, understanding the relationship between bead size and thread pass-through counts is critical. This often-overlooked aspect of design planning directly affects the structural integrity, flexibility, and appearance of finished pieces. Simply knowing the outer dimensions of a bead is not …