Silver Bead
December 28th, 2009
Making jewellery with beads is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Semi-precious beads are an ideal medium to work with in order to produce a special, meaningful and long lasting jewellery design. There are many different types of gemstone bead but those most popular for jewellery making are listed below. Read on for details of the properties, appearance and how best to use these special beads when making a necklace, earrings or bracelet.
Agate Beads
Agate beads tend to be available in red and black, and often display stunning banded markings in white. Yellow and green agate are found less frequently but are hugely popular due to their vibrant colouring. Agate is ideal for making striking pieces and is often available in larger bead sizes which make fabulous feature beads for necklaces. Try using black and red agate together for a stunning contrast. Make sure banded beads stand out by stringing them with plain beads.
Amethyst Beads
Amethyst makes beautiful beads which vary in shades of purple. A-grade amethyst beads are top quality, displaying a beautiful clarity and an even colouring. Lower grade amethyst beads may display some cloudiness and natural inclusions.
A great stone for jewellery making, amethyst is often available in various sizes of round beads, gem chips, tumbled nuggets and faceted beads. These beads look fabulous simply spaced with small silver spacer beads. Swarovski crystal beads are available in an amethyst shade which adds real glamour to your amethyst jewellery designs. Contrast these purple beads with greens to make more vibrant jewellery.
Fluorite Beads
Fluorite is a popular gemstone that is usually green and purple in colour. Colouring can be dark or pale, and each bead can vary individually.
Fluorite pendants are such a popular item for jewellery making. These can be matched with fluorite beads, hung on a simple chain for an effective yet simple design or matched with a stone that brings out the purple or green colouring in the pendant. It is best to try not to overpower the natural beauty of fluorite as it can be subtle.
Jasper Beads
Jasper beads and pendants vary widely in colour and appearance. However, in general jasper is recognised by its beautiful and intricate patterning. Types of jasper such as picasso jasper have such unusual markings they look as though they have been painted.
When making jewellery with jasper beads or pendants it is best to match with a plain coloured stone, silver or gold bead as anything too busy will fight with the gorgeous patterns in the jasper.
Quartz Beads
Quartz is also known as crystal as it is clear in appearance. Clear quartz beads are useful to space between brighter or more patterned beads as they won't fight against them in a jewellery design. Faceted quartz beads catch the light beautifully.
Another popular type of quartz is rose quartz. Soft, pale pink in colour, rose quartz is a very romantic stone. Using rose quartz with silver beads creates jewellery that is beautifully simple and sophisticated.
Using semi-precious beads to make jewellery is a fantastic way to make a personal gift for a loved one. They can even be used to make keyrings, handbag charms, mobile pohone charms and more. If you haven't already started making jewellery and accessories with semi-precious beads then I recommend you have a go!
About the Author:
Claire Humpherson is a beads enthusiast and jewellery maker. She loves all types of beads and is especially interested in semi-precious gem beads. She is associated with the UKs leading bead supplier www.beadsdirect.co.uk
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Semi-precious Beads for Jewellery Making
 |
 INDIA Silver Foil Glass beads mixed Ruby Red SL BATBB  US $2.77
|
 30Pcs Tibetan Silver star Beadspendant 14mm US $4.99
|
 Huge LOT 400 Vintage Buttons Crystal Glass Appliques US $17.50
|
 100 Tibetan Silver Crafted Square Bead Frame B918 US $2.00
|
 FREE PP 80Pcs Smooth Spacer Bead Fit Charm Bracelet US $4.99
|
 2x Solid 925 Sterling Silver Spacers Metal Beads 13x3mm US $.01
|
 50 Pcs Tibetan Silver Flower Charms Pendants TS1311 US $1.49
|
 12X8MM 2PCS SOLID 925 STERLING SILVER SPACER BEADS US $.99
|
 10pcs Bulk Silver Bead Charms For Pandora Bracelet M337 US $.91
|
 Free Shipping 100pcs silver plated metal earring hook US $3.24
|
 150 Pcs Tibetan Silver Fish Bone Charms Pendants TS199 US $.99
|
 925 style Silver plated Bracelet Fits Pandora 18cm P06 US $3.99
|
 INDIA Silver Foil Glass beads mixed Aquamarine SL BATBB US $1.75
|
 2 Hole Beads 8 Square Blue Rhinestones Half Rounds US $4.95
|
 40 pcs Tibetan silver koradji charms 22x17mm A9027 US $6.40
|
 20x Blue Artistic Flower Glaze Beads Fit Pandora Charms US $4.49
|
 Free Ship 20pcs nice acryl spacer bead 18x6mm NEW US $1.19
|
 20pc mix nature stone Pandora 925 SILVER Beads US $9.38
|
 2 PCS HANDMADE INDIAN 925 SILVER SPACER BEADS 8X9MM US $.99
|
 40 Tibetan Silver Mixed dangle bail bead charms M8345 US $.91
|
 8pc Lapis Lazuli Fits Pandora 925 SILVER Beads US $11.02
|
 2x Solid 925 Sterling Silver Spacers Metal Beads 11x7mm US $.01
|
 1500 Silver Plated 32mm Spacer Beads Findings A034 US $.99
|
 Free ship 30pcs tibet silver nice spacer beads 11x9mm US $.99
|
 12 Tibetan Silver Large Crafted Round Disc Beads B928 US $.99
|
 Free Ship 100pcs silver plate metal head pin 60mm US $3.25
|
 10Pcs Antiqued Tibetan Silver cross charms Pendants US $.99
|
 30 pcs Tibetan silver snake arrow charms 44x20mm A9034 US $6.40
|
 Free Ship50pcs Tibetan Silver 3 hole Rectangle Spacers US $1.82
|
 Free Ship 50Pcs Tibetan silver Jewelry leaves Charms US $1.57
|
 50pcs purple silver carved lantern aluminium beads 12mm US $.99
|
 FP 100pcs Silver Plating Nice Spacer Bead 8mm US $1.25
|
 Sterling Silver Heavy Duty Bail Bale Pinch Clasp 17mm US $3.99
|
 10pcs Silver Style Charm Spacer Beads Fit Pandora MH103 US $.99
|
 5Pcs Antique Silver Spacer Beads Fits Pandora AH11 US $.01
|
 Snowman Snowmen Bead Jewelry Making Earring Kit US $2.95
|
 20 pcs Tibetan silver cat fish body charms A8373 US $10.99
|
 Turquoise Moss Copper CZ BeadsMILAGROS US $17.49
|
 BEADS BEYOND MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE 27 NEW US $7.99
|
 FP 100pcs Tibet Silver Charms Pendant Bead 175mm US $6.95
|
 |
Sterling Silver Fancy Granulated Tube Bead - Fits Pandora - 7.5mm List Price: $4.99 Sale Price: $2.59 Average Rating:   |
|
Sterling Silver Pandora Style Bead Fancy Granulated Spacer 7.5mm Tube 3.8-4.2mm Hole Fits Pandora, Biagi, Chamilia, Troll Chain 1 Bead Use these genuine Sterling Silver beads as spacers on your Pandora style bracelet... |
 |
Sterling Silver Engraved Love Bead - Fits Pandora - 7.5mm List Price: $5.49 Sale Price: $2.99 Average Rating:  |
|
Sterling Silver Pandora Style Bead Embossed Daisy Design Barrel Bead 7mm Tube Large 5mm Hole Fits Pandora, Biagi, Chamilia, Troll Chain 1 Bead Use these genuine Sterling Silver beads as spacers on your Pandora style bracelet... |
 |
Sterling Silver Ribbed Barrel Bead - Fits Pandora - 7.5mm List Price: $6.25 Sale Price: $3.25 |
|
Sterling Silver Pandora Bead Ribbed Barrel Shape 7.5mm Tube Large 5mm Hole Fits Pandora Chain 1 Bead Use this genuine Sterling Silver bead as a spacer on your Pandora bracelet. Ribbing around entire bead... |
 |
Sterling Silver Bali Flower Barrel Tube Bead - Fits Pandora - 9mm List Price: $8.99 Sale Price: $5.75 |
|
Sterling Silver Pandora Style Bead Bali Style Floral Design Barrel Bead 9mm Tube Large 5mm Hole Fits Pandora, Biagi, Chamilia, Troll Chain 1 Bead Use these genuine Sterling Silver beads as spacers on your Pandora style bracelet... |
 |
Real Silver Plated Round Beads 3mm (1000) List Price: $25.69 Sale Price: $2.95 |
|
1000, Yes, One Thousand 100% Silver Plated Round Brass Beads 3mm DiameterGleaming, perfectly round real silver plated beads. Extremely useful and cost-effective! Add the subtle glow of silver to your beaded designs... |
 |
Real Silver Plated Round Beads 5mm Large Hole (100) List Price: $2.99 Sale Price: $0.99 |
|
Real Silver Plated Round Brass Beads 5mm Diameter, 1.5mm Hole, Quantity Of 100Gleaming, perfectly round real silver plated beads. Extremely useful and cost-effective! Add the subtle glow of silver to your beaded designs... |
 |
Sterling Silver Seamless Round Beads 2mm (100) Sale Price: $9.78 Average Rating: |
|
100 Sterling Silver Ball Beads Great for Beading, Craft Projects, Craft Enthusiasts & Making Necklaces, Bracelets & Earrings. This is a new set of 100 smooth polished sterling silver ball beads. Great for beading, craft projects, craft enthusiasts and making necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other jewelry... |
 |
14K on Sterling Silver SUNFLOWER European Charm Bead for Bracelet Sale Price: $13.48 Average Rating:  |
|
Sterling Silver European Bead Charm. This bead features sunflowers in relief with 14 karat gold plating! The large hole allows this bead to slide onto your bracelet. This bead fits most 3mm Cable European Charm Bead Bracelets. |
 |
Silver Plated Thick Heishe Spacers Beads 4.5mm x 2.5mm (100) List Price: $6.89 Sale Price: $2.90 |
|
Silver Plated Thick Heishe Spacers Metal Beads 2.5mm LongThe glow of real silver, the heft and luxury of real metal spacers -- at a fraction of the price. Silver-plated base metal beads. Measurement: 4... |
 |
Bead Boutique Bead Box and Silver-Lined Seed Beads List Price: $9.99 Sale Price: $7.49 Average Rating: |
|
WESTRIM CRAFTS-The Bead Boutique Bead Box collection is a wonderful way to get beading! Assortment boasts 24 individual flip-top containers with beautifully colored beads inside; all contained in one snap shut see-thru case... |
Posted in Beads | 
Tags: beading, Beads, Crafts, jewelry, silver bead bracelet, silver bead necklace, silver beads, silver beads for jewelry making, silver beads wholesale, supplies