GLASS-BEADS.NET is the webs best place to find beads for all your projects and creations. We have the Finest Beads for Crafts, Jewelry Making and Collecting. We have the best and latest information on beads for crafts and jewelry products. Here is some information about beads your sure to enjoy.

Designing with accent Beads:

Designing with accent beads can be an exciting endeavor.  I like to think of accent beads as a frame to put all the attention on the gemstone bead that I am making the main attraction.   Accent beads call also used to high light the pattern in a stone or mirror that pattern.

I have also used precious metal accent beads in numerical patterns that follow the rules of sacred geometry to enhance the wearer, health, goals or possible help them access some character within themselves such as charity, compassion or insight into their own behavior.   If one is having trouble meeting their goals by not taking systematic step you can you a pattern of progression like the simple 1,2,3,4,5 repeat or 2, 5, 7, repeat.   Another way to accent a stone is by mirroring the properties of the stone such as a moonstone.  You can base a moonstone design on all the number associated with a moon cycle, 12, 9, 3 and 4's this is much easier to achieve with accent beads than with moonstone alone as you would have to have many different shapes or sized of moonstone.

Such a piece would be good for an expectant mother or someone that needs to have their cycles regulated or perhaps tame PMS.  You could further enhance this design by using disc shaped sterling accent beads that reflect the shape and color of the full moon. This is just one example of using accent beads to add to your designing library.   You can use numeric patterns to add beauty and dimension to any design.

Show Your True Colours with Beads:

If you have heard the saying "you are what you wear" then beads would certainly tell how fantastical, romantic, fun loving, adaptable and versatile person you are. Beads are a great way to add zing and spice to your look and style. You can create your own style statement with various kinds of beads, or you can simply mix and match things to put forth a sizzling combination together with an easy going attitude.

Beads are the best way to define and complement your style, your dress and all kinds of occasion. You can wear beads almost everywhere. Apart from your ear pieces and necklace, you can wear beads around your wrists; in bracelets; in armlets; in anklets, and also in your belt – a loose loop around your waist defines your slender waist and also it looks quite nice. You can also add beads to your exquisite jewelery, like the tiaras.

Beads are not just for jewelery, you can also put beads in your clothes and in your accessories like bags and purses to make them look cool, trendy and friendly. Beads in your accessories always give you a young look and feel, despite your real age. It also shows that you are in tune with times and passionately follow trends. You can pep up any simple, ordinary looking bag or outfit by adding a few beads with the help of ex-beading accessories.

Beads  can be simple and non-expensive. And at the same time there are those beads which are precious and, therefore, cost a little more than others. You have to know which beads to wear in different kinds of occasions. Beads are great when you want to catch up with friends; then there are beads that can be worn to the office; and also there are those gorgeous looking precious beads that are meant for parties and high social gatherings.

Things you Need to Know When Creating with Gem Beads:

We see many beautiful gem bead jewelry pieces, created by numerous jewelry designers - famous to hobbyist. Most of these people are very creative artists in their design, but many of them know little, or nothing, about the materials they are working with, and this can lead to disasters. This series will try to help you know about the gems and materials you are using and their idiosyncrasies. Let's start with the basics.

What is a "PRECIOUS" and a "SEMI-PRECIOUS" GEM?
They are minerals and rocks that that people consider special, beautiful and of value. Actually, there is no specific definition, but a definition must include: the special ness and beauty of the stone. This includes the colors, shine, optical effects, shapes, physical effects, hardness, and rarity of the stone. In the past, "Precious Gem" referred only to: Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds (plus, Alexandrites and Pearls), but now the term includes most gems. In this "PC" world, "Semi-Precious Gem" has fallen out of use because it is demeaning, plus with the introduction of numerous unknown (i.e. Tanzanite) and previously unused gems (i.e. the Colors of Sapphire) the separation no longer applies

What is a "MINERAL"?
It is a naturally occurring inorganic solid constitute of the earth's crust. Most minerals have their own chemical formula, molecule, and crystal forms. Examples are: Diamond, Sapphires, Peridot, Quartz (includes; Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper, and Opal), Garnet, Tourmaline, etc.

What is a "ROCK"?
A rock is a natural aggregate of different or the same minerals. When you look at a rock, you will usually see some of the different components of it's make up. Examples: Unakite, Ruby in Zoisite, Lapiz Lazuli, Marble, Tiger Iron, Granite, Gneiss, etc.

What is an "IMITATION"?
Anything made to resemble a natural or synthetic gem. They imitate the look, color, and effect of the original, but they do not have the same chemical of physical characteristics. Examples include: Glass, Austrian Crystal (leaded glass), CZ, Enamel, Plastics, Dyed Howlite and Marble, "Paste", Chinese Glass gems (Strawberry Quartz, Pineapple Quartz, etc.) etc.

What is a "SYNTHETIC"?
They are crystallized man made products whose chemical and physical properties are, for the most part, identical to their natural counterparts. Examples are: Synthetic Rubies, Sapphires, Alexandrites, CZ, Chatam Emeralds, Hematine, Quartz, etc.

What is a "MAN MADE" gem?
These are gems that do not occur in nature. Examples: Gold stone (glass & copper).
Or they are "Block materials", which are reconstituted, crushed natural materials that are mixed with a resin and formed into blocks for cutting. Examples include: Block Azurite/Malachite, Block Coral, Block Black Onyx, Block Turquoise, etc.