What is the difference between glass and crystal beads?
Glass beads tend to be lightweight and inexpensive, while crystal beads are often heavier, more delicate, and more expensive. Both are perfectly suited to jewelry making, but crystal often requires the use of sturdier accessory elements, such as clasps, clamps and beads.
What are faceted beads?
In short, they are beads that are designed to look more like cut gemstones. The term basically means that the stone has many flattened edges. The flattened edges are generally arranged in a way that maximizes sparkle and shine. Faceted beads can be made of virtually any material.
What are those glass beads called?
Bugle beads are tubular shaped beads that are available in a variety of different sizes. The most popular size of bugle bead is 6mm. Bugle beads are also available in hex cut finish and also in a twisted finish.
What are glass crystal pearls?
Glass pearls. Glass pearls are a type of imitation pearl made with a glass bead and a pearlescent coating.
How can you tell if crystal beads are real?
Place the stone against your front teeth and rub it back and forth. Real stones have tiny imperfections on their surface, while manufactured glass will not. So, glass will feel smooth, while a real stone will feel gritty.
How do I know if my crystal is real?
No crystals can be scratched by any below it on the scale. If your crystal has sharp edges, you might also choose to test the hardness by using it to scratch glass or plastic. Most real crystals will leave a scratch mark on those materials.
What is a rondelle bead?
A rondelle bead is disc or doughnut shaped and is wider than the height of the bead. These beads are often used as spacers to separate other beads. Also see Czech faceted rondelle beads.
What is the most commonly known crystal beads?
CRYSTAL BEADS (SWAROVSKI) Crystals are crystal beads made out of leaded glass and have a high shine. They are usually faceted for additional shine. The most commonly known crystals are Swarovski Elements but there are Czech crystals too which are of good quality at a cheaper price.
What is Murano glass beads?
What are the beads made of? They are made of glass which is about 70% silica (sand). Venetian beads are made from a type of glass known as soda glass with a COE of 90 degrees which is a measurement of the expansion in heating and cooling. The beads start with glass rods which have been made in Murano.
Are crystal pearls real pearls?
Instead, they’re referred to as “simulated pearls”. They feature a crystal core, giving the pearls a realistic weight, while a special coating helps to give them a realistic appearance. As they aren’t natural pearls, you’ll find Swarovski pearls come in a wide range of shapes, colours and designs.
How do you identify Swarovski crystal beads?
Look at the quality of the surface of the crystal. A genuine Swarovski will sparkle and have no scratches, fogginess or swirl marks. An imitation crystal will appear foggy and have scratches and swirl marks.