by Angie Yomo

Created on: May 14, 2008   Last Updated: April 26, 2012

While working at a bead shop, nothing made me happier than a perplexed customer asking what beads they should use for a project. We would have a quick discussion about needs and wants, take a walk around the store, and they would happily leave with bag of beads in tow. My own workspace is home to thousands upon thousands of beads, waiting patiently to be transformed into wearable art. While the sheer quantity and variety available can be daunting, choosing beads for a project should be simple and enjoyable. Here are some things to think about when making your bead buying decisions.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

There are thousands upon thousands of beads to choose from. Typical beads used for jewelry include crystals, Czech glass, German glass, wood, bone, pewter, plated, plastic, semi-precious stones, pearls, Chinese lampwork, seed beads, precious metal beads, polymer clay and the list goes on. For your first few projects you should have a bead store worker help you. This will familiarize you with the kinds of beads available and their unique characteristics. Once you gain a little experience, you will be able to sort through the walls of colorful strands and plastic tubes yourself.

BUDGET

The kinds of beads you will use largely depends on how much you want to spend. Bead prices vary greatly ranging from acrylic beads that cost a fraction of a cent to sky-high semi precious briolettes. Also, beads of like materials, such as crystal, commands different prices for different qualities. Your price range will help you narrow down your options.

PURPOSE

Are you making bracelets for little kids? Is it a necklace for your sister's wedding? Are you accessorizing the outfit you bought last week? While you can craft pieces for absolutely no reason, it's much easier to select beads when you know where you're heading. A jewelry gift for a small child could include plastic daisies, and colorful firepolish rounds while wedding pieces are vastly different, typically done in subtle colors with crystals and/or freshwater pearls. Likewise, the beads used for a hemp beach anklet would differ greatly from those on a sterling silver bracelet made to match your brand new Bebe top. Also, if you are crafting a gift, knowing who it's for will allow you to choose beads fitting the recipients personal tastes. Awareness of purpose is extremely useful when selecting beads.

STYLE

Also tied into purpose is style, which encompasses the general look and technical construction of the piece. Whether your

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