Sounds simple, right? Glass beads. Well, I’ve learned over the past few years that it’s not as simple as it sounds. I have to admit, I resisted glass beads for a very long time. I snubbed them and focused on stones because I thought that glass beads were inferior. Boy, was I ever wrong!This page can truly be divided into several sub sections to cover the range of glass beads that I use. Seed beads, Czech glass, lamp work, vintage glass, and German glass to name a few.

For me, glass beads are a complicated issue. There are so many considerations to be made when selecting them. It can get overwhelming in a split second. I do my best to narrow things down to make my selection process as easy as I can, and I’ll share some of my tips with you. Rather than dividing this page into the different types of beads, I’ll start with the things to keep in mind when choosing any glass bead.

Part 1: Color

There are two ways that glass beads get their color, surface treatment, where the color is applied to the exterior of the finished bead or “true color” where the color is added while the glass is still molten and the color goes through the bead. It can be hard to tell which is which when you’re shopping. There are some colors that are more likely to be surface colors than others, mainly, red based colors, ie. red, pink, purple and orange, especially in lower end beads.

Czech glass beads tend to be of higher quality than others. Personally, I try to use them over their Japanese counterparts. The Czech people have a long history of making superb glass beads, that continues today.

I’m an incredibly tactile person, and I use that to my advantage when it comes to checking bead colors before I buy them. One thing to do, that’s simple enough for most folks, scratch the bead with your fingernail around the bead hole. If the color is a surface color, it will often be the most delicate around the hole. You can even feel the color if you really pay attention. Find some beads that you KNOW are true color, and compare the two using your fingernails and your teeth. The color coating will feel differently against your teeth.

Not all color coated beads are created equal. Some will bleed and run as soon as they get damp against your skin. The color on those is generally sprayed on, or the strand is dipped then just left to dry. Other surface treatments, such as a Picasso finish or AB (Aurora Borealis) are “baked” on in a high temp environment.

• If I’m unsure about a color or treatment, I’ll buy the smallest amount I can buy, then run a few experiments on them before I purchase a larger amount to use in my jewelry creations. My favorite test is to make a bracelet with them, then wear it 24/7 for a few weeks. In the shower, cleaning, washing dishes, all the time. If the color can stand up to this, I’ll use the beads. If not, then I’m not out a whole lot of money!
  • Check out Artwear Designs In Glass for some SUPERB Czech glass beads!
  • Fire Mountain Gems has a wide selection of glass AND they tell you if it’s a surface color
  • Michael’s carries a lot of glass beads. I’ve never gotten a pink or red there that wasn’t surface colored
  • Blue Moon Beads “Color Coordinates” are a mix of surface treated and true color, even on the same strand! The mini strands are mostly Czech beads that are true color. Jo Anne Fabrics carries these in my area.

When all else fails, sacrifice a bead to the hammer, gently. You’ll see what it looks like on the inside!

There’s more to come….including tips on lamp work beads and seed beads…

Blessings.

Peace.

Joy

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