Types of Beads Explained

From a Bead-Obsessed Lady Who Has Seen It ALL

Alright sweetheart, pull up a chair and grab your coffee (or your wine — I don’t judge).
If you’re here, it means you’ve fallen into the sparkly, colorful, slightly-addictive world of beads.

Welcome. You’re one of us now.

Let me walk you through the bead universe — the REAL way — from someone who has spent more money on beads than groceries and has zero regrets.

Natural Stone Beads — Mother Earth’s Little Mood Boosters

Natural stone beads are the soul of jewelry making. Yes, I said soul. Because once you’ve held a strand of genuine amethyst up to the light, tell me you didn’t feel something.

Go on. I’ll wait.

Why we love them:

• They’re gorgeous — let’s start with the obvious.

• They feel good — energy, vibes, whatever you want to call it.

• They come in every color nature ever dreamed up.

• They make your designs look intentional and professional.

Rose Quartz for love.
Amethyst for calm.
Tiger’s Eye for when you need to feel like a bad bitch.
Jade for prosperity.
Lapis for truth — especially when someone swears their package “never arrived.”

If you want jewelry that does more than sit there looking pretty, natural stone beads are your girls.

Seed Beads — Tiny, Mighty, and Older Than Half of Civilizations

Seed beads have been used across cultures for thousands of years.
Indigenous nations, African tribes, Asian artisans, European beadworkers — honey, everybody has a seed bead story.

Beadwork isn’t just a hobby.
It’s history.
It’s culture.
It’s storytelling.

It’s hours of weaving one bead at a time while questioning your life choices… then admiring the final piece like, “Yep. Worth it.”

Seed beads are used for:

• Peyote stitch

• Brick stitch

• Fringe earrings (you know the ones — artsy goddess vibes)

• Loom work

• Traditional regalia

• Bead embroidery

Miyuki Delicas? Chef’s kiss.
Preciosa Czech beads? Dependable and full of character.
Matubo? Gorgeous Czech craftsmanship.
Cylin beads? Oh honey… we’ll get to that drama next.

Cylin Beads — The New Girl Who’s Giving Delicas Competition

Listen… I never thought anyone could compete with Delicas.
Then Cylin beads strutted in like, “Hi, I’m John Bead’s new precision cylinder line and yes, I’m fabulous.”

Tall. Smooth. Uniform.
Basically the supermodel of seed beads.

They sit together tighter than jeans after Thanksgiving dinner.

Why I love them:

• Uniform AF — patterns look crisp and clean

• Tons of colors

• Blend beautifully with Delicas (no rivalry here)

• Affordable — thank you, John Bead

If you’re doing peyote, brick stitch, or loom work and you want that “did you machine make this?” level perfection — Cylin beads are your new bestie.

Wooden Beads — Earthy, Lightweight, and Always in Style

Wooden beads are for the free spirits, the macramé makers, the boho queens, and anyone who’s tired of heavy earrings dragging their lobes to the floor.

Sandalwood, rosewood, coconut, bamboo — each brings its own vibe.
They’re warm, natural, and some even smell amazing.

Wood and gemstones together?
Yes please.

Metal Beads — The Jewelry World’s Secret Weapon

Metal beads make everything look expensive. Science probably agrees.

Types you’ll meet:

• Stainless Steel — the tank of jewelry making. Won’t tarnish. Won’t quit.

• 925 Sterling Silver — timeless, classy, perfect for gifts.

• Gold-Filled — luxury without the “sell a kidney” pricing.

• Brass — earthy, vintage, ages beautifully.

• Base Metals — affordable, versatile, perfect for everyday creativity.

Mix metals with stones and BOOM — you’ve made a bracelet strangers will compliment in the checkout line.

Spacer Beads — The Unsung Heroes

Your bracelet is NOT done until you add spacers.
I don’t make the rules.

Why spacers matter:

• They make your design look intentional

• They create rhythm and balance

• They highlight focal beads

• They fix length issues (we’ve all been there)

Rondelles, heishi, discs, Bali-style… they’re small but mighty.

Rhinestone & Crystal Beads — For When You Need to Shine

Sometimes you don’t want subtle.
Sometimes you want to sparkle so hard people see your earrings before they see you.

Rhinestones and crystal beads are perfect for:

• Weddings

• Prom jewelry

• Dance costumes

• Statement pieces

• Any day you need an extra dose of fabulous

They catch the light like nothing else.

Final Thoughts — Beads Are More Than Materials… They’re Magic

No matter what beads you choose — natural stones, seed beads, Cylin beads, wood, metal, or sparkling crystals — each one brings its own personality and purpose to your creations.

So go ahead. Mix and match. Trust your instincts.
And remember: there is no such thing as “too many beads.”
Only not enough storage.

Happy beading, darling. 💋