Product Department

Seed Bead Finish and Duribility

 

Seed Bead Finish & Durability Descriptions

Alabaster - milky or opalescent glass.  Durability: no problem in noraml use.

Aurora Borealis (ab) - an iridescent coating which produces a multi color, rainbow effect.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Ceylon - a pearlized finish on an opalescent bead, primarily in pastel colors.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Color-Lined - a transparent bead with an opaque color inside of bead.  Duraibility: due to bright sun, center may fade with time.

Dyed - after the bead is made is is then dyed.  Durability: finish may fade or rub off over time.

Duracoat - durable coating on a galvanized bead.  Durability: might be a problem with friction or acidic skin.

Galvanized - metallic plating applied to the surface of the bead.  Durability: colors may rub off from friction or in contact with acidic skin.

Gold-Luster - a semi-transparent high-gloss finish with a gold hue.  Durability: due to bright sun, finish may fade over time.

Iris - a permanent rainbow effect applied when the beads are still hot.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Luster - a semi-transparent high-gloss finish.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Matte - a frosted non-shiny finish.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Metallic - metal-like shiny finish.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Opal  - milky or opalescent glass.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Opaque (Op) - a solid color where light does not show through.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Precious Metal - glass beads plated in gold, silver or platinum.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Permanent - coating will not rub off.

Semi-Matte (S/M) - beads that have both matte and gloss finishes.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Silk Satin - textured to change appearance depending on the viewing angle.  Durability: no problem in normal use.

Silver Lined (S/L) - has a reflective silver lining in the hole of the bead.  Durability: center may turn a dark hue due to acidic skin or fabric.

Transparent - beads that light can show through, either colored or crystal. Durability: no problem in normal use.

 

Guide to Seed Bead Size

Bead Size             Diameter          Approx Bead per Inch

                        11/0                                  2mm                                        19

                        11/0 Delica                      1.8mm                                     19

                        15/0                                  1.5mm                                     24

                         8/0                                    3mm                                        12

                         6/0                                    4mm                                          8

                         3x3 Cube                         3mm                                        8-9

                         4x4 Cube                         4mm                                        6-7