Sterling Silver Beads in Jewelry Design

Sterling silver jewelry findings are an importantbarrel, in 12.5mm and 14mm sizes.
tool in many jewelry designers' tool kits. They can- Mirror-cut: These gorgeous beads work well for
be the star of the show, act as an enhancementwearers who like to attract attention because the
to other beads, highlight intricate wire designs, orcut causes them to catch and reflect light. They
be used make a piece secure - some silver beadsare available in the traditional round as well as an
serve more than one of these purposes. Sterlingeven more eye-catching rice shape.
silver beads in a necklace, bracelet, pair of- Round and Smooth: Available in a variety of
earrings, or any other jewelry item make thesizes, these beads offer a more traditional and
piece look more elegant and expensive evenclassic look. They are often strung together but
when used sparingly. Examples of types ofcan be used as spacers as well. Many jewelry
sterling silver beads include:designers experiment with patterns between sizes
- Bali-style: A very popular bead available in a wideof round and smooth beads or between these
variety of sizes and shapes, including oval,beads and textured beads of the same metal.
oval-hexagon, coin, heart, square, and saucer.Sterling silver is an excellent choice for this type
Sterling silver Bali-style charms add an exotic tribalof jewelry because of its durability and relatively
look to jewelry.low cost compared to gold.
- Corrugated: These hollow metal beads have a- Roundel (Randell): The defining characteristic of
tube-like appearance or donut appearance and areroundel beads is that they are flat, not round, on
typically used as spacers. Corrugations can bethe sides. Typically made of glass or metal,
straight or spiral around the bead. Commonly-usedroundel beads can be used as spacers or as
sizes are in the 3mm to 7mm range.accents.
- Fancy: This term refers to any bead that isn't- Satin-finish: The finish of these beads is dull as
spherical. Examples of types of fancy beads areopposed to shiny. The effect is usually created
beads that are cut, embellished with crystals,with the use of chemicals or by sandblasting.
saucer-shaped, stardust, corrugated (straight or- Stardust: Often used as spacers, these beads
twisted),have a rough texture similar to satin-finish. A wide
- Israel: Theses beautiful sterling silver beads canrange of sizes, from.010mm to 6.
be purchased in shapes, such as the flower or