The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Beads for Jewelry & Bracelets

If you are also someone who is obsessed with types of beads, then you are probably aware of the fact that a bead store is a colourful world of its own. The shelves there are filled with different types of beads of various colours, shapes, and designs. Be it soft pastels to bold and earthy tones, beads aren’t just “beads.” Each type of bead has its own history, meaning, and style. 

 

In this guide, we will talk about the different types of beads and their names. So the next time you enter a bead store, you know the names of different types of beads. So without any further ado, let’s get into it!

1. Gemstone Beads

These gemstone beads are made from either natural or synthetic stones. They are made from a variety of stones such as amethyst, jade, turquoise, and many more, hence their different colors. They are also made in different shapes, such as oval, circular, cube, etc. Once they are polished, they are perfect to add to your bracelets, necklaces, and even earrings.

 

2. Heishi Beads

The heishi beads are flat and small. They often come in the shape of discs. These beads are naturally produced using shells or stones. They provide a special bohemian flair to bracelets and stacked necklaces, more so when combined with various types of beads.

Shop: Labradorite Heishi Beads

 

3. Turquoise Beads

The turquoise beads have a bright greenish-blue color. When polished, turquoise beads provide a really royal appearance. Thus, they are versatile enough to be incorporated into both new and old jewelry. 

Shop: Arizona Green Turquoise Beads

Shop: Synthetic White Turquoise Beads

 

4. Opal Beads

Opal beads don’t really have a single original color, but the most common are found in soft white or milky base. They shine with a spectrum of rainbow colors in light. That’s because the light bends inside the stone. They’re often used in delicate and dainty jewelry because of their elegance.

Shop: Ethiopian Heart Opal Beads

Shop: Pink Opal Beads

Shop: Dendrite Opal Beads

Shop: Rainbow Opal Beads

 

5. Rondelle Beads

Rondelle beads are rounded but slightly flattened. This makes them great as spacer beads between larger types of beads. They add balance and detail to all types of beaded bracelets and necklaces.

Shop: Multi Gemstone Rondelle Beads

 

6. Coral Beads

Coral beads do justice to their name by bringing a pop of bright red, orange, or pink to your jewelry. For centuries, they have been used in traditional jewelry. And, they are still loved till date for their bold and natural beauty.

 

7. Lapis Lazuli Beads

Lapis lazuli beads are one of the most aesthetically appealing beads. They have a deep blue color with tiny gold flecks. This makes them very royal-looking. They are perfect for statement jewelry or as accent beads in dainty jewelry designs.

 

8. Moonstone Beads

Moonstone beads are usually connected to traits of soft femininity and strong intuition. These beads have a pearly shine that changes as the light moves through them. This makes them a favourite to create meaningful and dainty jewelry.

 

9. Rose Quartz Beads

These beads are a soft baby pink color and are made out of rose quartz stone. This stone is known for traits like kindness, love, and healing. Many types of beaded bracelets in bead stores are for positive energy.

 

10. Amethyst Beads

Amethyst beads come in both light lavender and deep purple. They are a popular choice in types of beads for jewelry making. People believe this type of bead brings peace and clear thoughts.

 

11. Carnelian Beads

Carnelian beads have warm orange and red hues. This is one of the types of beads and their meanings that boost confidence. They are great for bold types of beads for bracelets.

 

12. Labradorite Beads

Labradorite beads are constructed from labradorite stone with strong blue, green, and gold color accents. The labradorite stone is referred to as the transformation stone. Due to this, they are popularly used to construct mystic jewelry.

 

13. Tourmaline Beads

Tourmaline beads are found in many colors. This is due to the fact that tourmaline is one of the most distinctive gemstones in the world, owing to its hundreds of varieties. They are found in various forms of beads for bracelets.

 

14. Aquamarine Beads

Aquamarine beads feature an extremely soft and soothing blue color. They are commonly combined with various other beads to design ocean-themed types of beaded bracelets. This kind of bead is admired for its trendy appearance.

 

15. Amazonite Beads

Amazonite beads are turquoise-green in hue and have a matte finish. They pair well with earthy, different types of bead designs. You can find them in many bead stores and all types of bead collections.

 

Conclusion

Different types of beads have always been a fascination for so many people. What it means and why people wear them in their day-to-day life. Thanks to this guide, now you know what each type of bead looks like in essence and means. So the next time you visit bead stores, you notice each bead very differently!