|
Glossary of Beading Terms
For all of you who are just getting started in the big, beautiful, colorful, world of beading, I dedicate this section to you. I hope that this helps make a difference. SEED BEADS: Seed beads is a general term. They are small, glass beads, usually 2 mm. or less in diameter, classified by size and style. SEED BEAD SIZES: The larger the size number, the smaller the bead. Rumor has it that the size of the bead is defined by how many beads, laid flat (hole up) there are in one inch. HANK: 10 to 12 strands (usually 12) and measuring approximately 12 to 20 inches in length per strand. Most Czech beads come on hanks where as Japanese beads come loose. BUGLE: A tubular shaped bead ranging in length from 2mm to 35mm. Good for use in fringe and earrings. You usualy want to use a thicker, stronger thread beacause bugles tend to have sharp ends. MEASUREMENTS The following are approximations: WEIGHTS g.: gram, 28.3 grams per ounce CLASSIFICATION OF BEAD STYLES AURORA BOREALIS: Also know as “Iridescent" or"AB”. A rainbow effect that looks like an oil slick. On large glass beads, it covers about half of the bead. On seed beads, it covers the whole bead. CEYLON: Pastel colors with a pearl like finish. CHARLOTTE CUTS: Also know as “one cuts” or "True Cuts". Originally a size 13/0 bead, but now also comes in 15/0, 11/0 and 8/0. Used in many higher quality Native American Indian bead work pieces. This type of bead is in very high demand, but limited colors. CROW BEAD: Beads 6-9mm in diameter with a 2mm or larger hole. Sometimes called pony beads by mistake. CRYSTAL: Glass made with lead to provide a high refractive quality. DRUK: A term to define a round glass bead. DYED: In order to get some colors, some beads may be dyed. Especialy Bright pinks and bright purples are dyed. Some dyed beads will fade, some will not. "E" BEAD: Another term for a size 6/0 beads. Also known as a pony bead. EXTRA LONG BUGLE: Also know as “XL”. Any bugle 15mm to 35mm long. FILLIGREE: A Fancy, open weaved pattern FIRE POLISH: Facetted glass beads(usually round), that have been heat treated to give a very clean, glossy surface. FROSTED: Also called "Matt" A non-shiny, sand blasted finish. GALVANIZED: Metallic looking beads. The finish is painted on and will rub off. Not recomended for jewelry or beadwork that will be touch often or gotten wet. Ideal for small touches in fringe work. GOLD FILLED: A less expensive alternative to pure karat gold. Gold filled means that it is at least 1/20th the weight of the item is pure gold. The term "Gold Filled" may also be accompanied by the karat ratin. ie: 14/20 would be 14 karat gold filled. IRIS: Usually a dark color (almost black) with tinting of the designated hue. It appears to look like a drip of oil spilled in water. i.e. Blue Iris is black with blue rainbow effect, but solid in color. LARGE GLASS BEADS: A general term applying to any bead that is not a seed bead. LINED: A clear bead with a color lining on the inside. LUSTER: A rich, shiny, semi-transparent effect, very high gloss. OPALESCENT: Also known as waxy. An opal-like effect in translucent materials. OPAQUE: Solid color, no light passes through PEACOCK: An aurora borealis finish around the entire bead. This term usualy only applies to Large Glass beads ROCAILLE: Silver lined, usually size 11/0 or 10/0, round bead with square hold. SATIN GLASS: Shimmering translucent glass that appears to consist of fibers of different tones of the same color. Resembles Fiber-Optic beads or Tiger Eye stone. SCARABEE: Rich, opaque Iris (rainbow) coating, usually over a whole black glass bead. SILVER LINED: Also Defined as “S/L”. The bead has a silver lining on the inside which makes a mirrored effect coming out from the center of the bead. Metallic looking. Silver lined crystal and silver lined topaz make aless expensive alternative to silver and gold beads. STONE LOOK: A painted on effect. SUPRA: A matte Ceylon. Also painted on. TRANSPARENT: Allows light to pass through. Clear or colored. TWO TONED LINED: One color on the inside of the bead and another color on the outside TWO CUT: Also known as “2X”. Cut on the sides. Almost a hex shaped bead. Like a very small bugle. Also needs a stronger thread due to having sharp ends. THREE CUT: Also known as “3X”. Multi-facetted around the entire bead to create a very shiny look with maximum sparkle. WHITE HEART: A bead made of two layers; the inside of which is white.
|