VICTORIA JEWELLERY
The Beauty of Beads
Man Made Beads
Nearly every type of bead can be manufactured. They come in just about every conceivable shape, size and colour and are a must in the beading basket. They tend to be less expensive than the natural semi-precious beads.
Handmade beads such as Lamp Work are pricey but do add a touch of something extra to the jewellery.
Seed Beads
The name is a bit of a giveaway! These small beads are also known as rocaille beads. Seeds come in an assortment of sizes and shapes and are probably the most common beads used. All seed beads can be used as “spacer” beads when added between larger beads which not only prevents the larger beads from rubbing against each other and causing damage but add a different dimension to the jewellery.
Natural Beads
Pearls whilst expensive are good examples of natural beads. Although they can be incorporated into a design, I think they are better on a strand to reflect the beauty and iridescence. Wooden beads if mixed with other materials can give a more ethnic look or be added together with some metal beads to create a more contemporary look. There are also semi-precious beads such as turquoise and lapis lazuli that can add texture and colour.
Multi-Hole Beads
This variety of bead is fascinating as they make interesting jewellery. They are so named because they have more than one hole in each of their sides and are often woven together. They, like all the other bead varieties, come in different shapes, sizes and colours and can be mixed with other types of beads.
Tools & Storage
There is a large selection of tools available but the main ones that should be in any beaders box are: pliers (round and chain nose) for wire wrapping; tape measure; thread zapper/cutter; glue; needles (in a variety of sizes) and tweezers primarily for knotting but also for picking up very small beads. It’s important that sharp tools are stored safely and all tools are looked after to ensure they are fit for purpose.
There are many types of storage for beads on the market and how beads are stored is down to personal preference. I keep my beads in boxes sorted into size, colour and brand.
Stringing Materials
The stringing materials used will depend on the size and shape of the stones, what is available and how the finished item is to look, come in a wide range of colours and thicknesses and includes pre-waxed, cord, wire, elastic and silk. The latter is traditionally used for stringing pearls as they hang better and elastic is used for pieces that don’t require clasps or connections and therefore it is an ideal option for children or individuals who find traditional closures difficult. Memory wire for example holds its shape and can be used for any type of beaded jewellery. It is not always suitable for smaller beads as it may not fit through the holes. Beading wire is useful for wrapping around beads adding a further dimension to the piece.