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The Best Beads & Bead Assortments

Last updated on September 2, 2021
Best Beads & Bead Assortments

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Our Picks For The Top Beads & Bead Assortments

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Our Top Pick

EuTengHao Metal Spacer Beads & Bead Assortments, 600-Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

EuTengHao

Metal Spacer Beads & Bead Assortments, 600-Piece

This set of 600 silver and gold jewelry bead spacers is made from Tibetan zinc alloy and includes round and flat round styles in light to dark shades. These pretty pieces will add an exotic, spicy look to your next beading project!

Overall Take

Elegant and SophisticatedThese silver and gold jewelry bead spacers will add a metallic flair to your next necklace or bracelet.

 Runner Up

Cmidy 5-8mm Gemstone Beads & Bead Assortments, 400-Piece

Cmidy

5-8mm Gemstone Beads & Bead Assortments, 400-Piece

If you prefer a more natural look, this kit of 230 to 400 genuine, polished natural stone chips can create stunning bracelets, necklaces, earrings, Feng Shui ornaments and more. You will love the varying sizes, textures and bright shine of these stone beads.

Overall Take

Organic, Earthy and ColorfulChoose these stone chip beads for your next project for plenty of versatility and style.

 We Also Like

WXBOOM 10mm Clay Beads & Bead Assortments, 100-Piece

WXBOOM

10mm Clay Beads & Bead Assortments, 100-Piece

These lovely round clay beads measure 0.39 inches with .06-inch holes and are covered with delicate flower and leaf patterns in various colors. Upgrade your beadwork with these perfectly sized, wonderfully designed beads.

Overall Take

Exceptional DesignsFrom colorful bracelets to gorgeous earrings, these decorative beads will elevate your next project.

 Strong Contender

TOAOB 6mm Pearl Beads & Bead Assortments, 500-Piece

TOAOB

6mm Pearl Beads & Bead Assortments, 500-Piece

This set includes approximately 500 glass pearl beads, with 50 each in 10 complementary colors. These 0.24-inch beads are perfect for more delicate pieces; you’ll want to buy one in every color combination!

Overall Take

A Real Treasure TroveThis bead set will add an elegant look to your next craft hour.

Buying Guide

Beads are sold in a staggering variety of colors, materials, sizes and shapes. As such, it makes sense to have some idea of what you are looking for before ordering too much of a good thing. You can find economical, well-made beads in glass and wood, or simulated pearls. Stones and gemstones are also nice and do not have to cost a lot of money.

If you’re looking to create some more upscale designs, you can shop for crystals and high-end stones instead. Seed beads are the tiny ones that are sold in endless colors; clay beads are usually larger and can have appealing designs. And then there are spacer beads, which are added in between other beads.

Some of the most inexpensive beads are made from plastic or acrylic, but many of these are of a good quality. Standard bead sizes range from 4 to 14 millimeters.

If you are new to beading, start with basic colors and sizes of wood, glass and pearl beads and grab a pack of spacers. You will also need wire cutters, beading cord or thread, round- and flat-nose pliers, crimp pliers and memory wire.

If you are planning to make earrings, also get ear wires; other projects require assorted clasps, a strong adhesive, a tape measure and a big-eye beading needle. Lastly, don’t forget to get a good-sized bead organizer if you buy loose beads.

What to Look For

  • Bead hole sizes vary, so read the product description. This will guide you and help you to make sure you’re choosing the right kind of string or wire.
  • Smaller beads (4 to 6 millimeters) are best for delicate jewelry like anklets and lightweight necklaces.
  • Beads that measure 10 millimeters can be heavy. When beads are this large, they work better as accents or pendants in jewelry pieces.

More to Explore

Beads are often used to make pendants or other necklaces. How sizable you make them is up to you.

United States Hip Hop artist Lil Jon owns the world’s largest non-religious pendant, the “Crunk Aint Dead” necklace. Its text box measures 7.5 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch, has diamonds that weigh 73 pounds and dangles from a 5 pound, 1 ounce chain.

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