Top 6 Beads for Jewelry Making

Whether you are a beginner jewelry maker or you are trying to come up with new ideas for your creations, the right beads serve as the foundation of any successful project. From tiny seed beads to larger statement beads, there are options that are perfect for any design. They also come in a rainbow of colors and countless shapes and can be made from all sorts of materials.

If you’ve ever browsed a bead website, like Beads of Cambay, or taken a trip down the jewelry-making supplies aisle at your favorite craft store, you’ve no doubt realized that the options are virtually limitless. There’s also a good chance that you have felt a bit overwhelmed and had trouble deciding which products you should invest in for your own projects. With millions of options to choose from, it isn’t always easy to know which ones you should buy and which ones you probably shouldn’t.

Every bead on the market has a use and works perfectly in certain projects. Before you start loading up your cart, though, it’s important to consider things like your personal style, the techniques you prefer to use, and your goals. If you are making a piece for a loved one, for example, you need to think about their style, favorite colors, etc. And, if you are designing jewelry to sell, you need to consider your target audience and what their preference may be.

If you create heirloom-quality pieces for special occasions, you obviously don’t want to waste your money on a bunch of plastic pony beads, for example. A little forethought can save you a lot of money while helping you build a collection of beads that will work well in multiple pieces.

Whether you’re just getting started or you are looking for new options to add to your collection, here are a few of the top beads for jewelry making.

Birthstone Beads

Birthstone beads are always a great way to add a personal touch to your creations, and they are something that every jewelry maker should have. Each month has its own precious stone and semiprecious stone, so it is possible to create beautiful pieces at any price point. Whether given as a gift or sold, birthstone jewelry is a popular option that is universally loved.

January

The precious stone that serves as the birthstone for January is garnet. Rose quartz is the semiprecious stone.

February

Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Onyx is the month’s semiprecious stone.

March

Aquamarine is a precious stone that serves as the birthstone for March. The semiprecious stone alternative is red jasper.

April

Diamonds are the official birthstone for April. Since this stone is so valuable and expensive, though, clear crystals like quartz are often used instead.

May

Brilliant green emeralds are the birthstone for May. The semiprecious option is chrysoprase.

June

Moonstone is June’s birthstone. Pearls, though not technically “gemstones” in the traditional sense, are commonly used as well.

July

If you are searching for the precious gemstone for July birthday’s, choose ruby. If you are looking for the semiprecious stone, go with carnelian.

August

Light green peridot is the precious birthstone for August. Green aventurine is the semiprecious alternative.

September

September’s birthstone is sapphire. For a more affordable alternative, choose the semiprecious stone, lapis lazuli.

October

Tourmaline is the birthstone for October. Opal is the semiprecious option and tends to be the more popular choice.

November

November’s birthstone is citrine. Topaz is commonly used as a semiprecious alternative, though.

December

Zircon is the birthstone for the month of December. Turquoise is the semiprecious stone of the month.

Amethyst

Amethyst beads are popular in jewelry making for several reasons. It has been used in jewelry and amulets since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans and was once synonymous with luxury. Its rich purple color symbolizes royalty and, to Christians, allegiance to Christ. In fact, it was worn by members of the Catholic clergy because it was associated with celibacy and piety.

Today, amethyst is prized for its beautiful color and the metaphysical properties that many people believe it possesses. It is a prevalent stone that is easy to come by and affordable even for designers who are working on a limited budget. As a type of quartz, amethyst beads are durable and appropriate for everyday wear.


Many people believe that amethyst is a highly protective stone and, as such, it is highly prized in metaphysical communities. It is said to purify the mind and clear it of negative thoughts, stress, and anxiety. It is reported to be especially helpful in alleviating work-related stress because it is also associated with abundance and can be used to increase effectiveness at work.

Amethyst can be used in any type of jewelry you can think of. From simple beaded bracelets and earrings to dramatic statement necklaces and other bold pieces, it is possible to use this beautiful stone to create any type of jewelry you desire. As the birthstone for February and the zodiac stone for Pisces, it also works well for creating personalized gifts.

Freshwater Pearls

Pearls may be the birthstone for October, but they are loved by nearly everyone. From the classic white and silvery hues to shades of lavender, pink, red, yellow, blue, and even black, they come in a nearly endless array of colors and can be used to make any type of jewelry you can imagine. They also work well when incorporated into hair accessories, beaded shawls, bags, and other accessories.

People have worn and adored pearls for centuries. These shimmering stones are some of the most intriguing and unique on the market, and they are the only gem that forms inside of living creatures. Naturally formed pearls are rare and, for many years, only the wealthy could afford them. In the early 20th century, however, the Japanese began producing cultured freshwater pearls and made them accessible to the masses. They are much more affordable than naturally occurring saltwater pearls, and they come in a huge assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors.


Freshwater pearl beads are a beautiful addition to any jewelry-making project. Because no two are ever exactly the same, they work well for creating truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you are designing a dainty hairpiece for a bride or a bold statement necklace, there are options that are well-suited to any project. These beautiful gems are affordable, too, and allow you to create breathtakingly beautiful jewelry without spending a fortune on supplies.

Also, freshwater pearl jewelry is very much “on trend” right now. If you sell your creations, offering pieces made using these lustrous gemstones is an excellent way to boost your sales and gain new customers.

Turquoise

Turquoise is another gemstone with a long history. It has been prized for thousands of years as a bringer of good fortune and a holy stone. It is, perhaps, the oldest stone in the history of man and is one of the few crystals that nearly everyone can identify. Turquoise beads that date back to 5000 BC have been discovered in Iraq, and the Egyptians mined the stones in 32000 BC. In fact, Tutankhamun’s death mask was adorned with turquoise stones, as were countless mosaic masks, statues, shields, and other ancient artifacts.

Today, turquoise beads are used in all sorts of jewelry. It is especially well-known for its use in Native American jewelry; however, it is widely used by nearly all cultures. It is believed to provide powerful protection to all who wear it. The stone is regarded as a talisman of success, creativity, luck, and ambition. Many also believe that it alleviates depression, soothes panic attacks, and dispels negative energy.



Whether you like turquoise because of its beautiful sky blue to grey-green coloring or because of its purported metaphysical properties, beads made from this stone make an excellent addition to your collection of jewelry-making supplies. While traditionally paired with silver, it is a versatile stone that works equally well with gold and copper.

It can also be used as either an accent stone or a focal stone and can be used to create everything from dainty earrings to bold bracelets and necklaces. As a stone with such a rich history, it is one that many people are drawn to and is an excellent investment for anyone who sells their creations.

Diamond

Diamonds are the most brilliant and durable gemstone known to man and, if you are looking to create luxurious jewelry that will appeal to even the most discerning customers, they are a must-have. It is both a status of wealth and a symbol of purity, love, innocence, and fidelity. While we most often think of highly polished cut stones when we think about diamonds, diamond beads are a unique way to add these beautiful and much-loved gemstones to your own jewelry creations.

Like all other gemstones, many believe that diamonds possess a wide range of metaphysical properties. They are said to be excellent amplifiers and conductors of energy. They are also said to relieve anxiety and fear and calm overactive imaginations. For those who suffer from bad dreams, they can be used to cleanse a room prior to bedtime to prevent nightmares. They are also believed to facilitate healing and unify the body and mind.

Diamond beads come in several different colors. They can be found in various shades of white, off-white, brown, yellow, and green. They can also be treated to produce shades of blue and red. Available in several different sizes, diamond beads can be used to add a touch of elegance to virtually any project. While they are, of course, one of the most expensive options on the market, they are ideal for creating heirloom-quality jewelry that will be treasured for generations.

Crystal Quartz

When you want the beauty of diamonds without the price tag, crystal quartz beads are an excellent alternative. Crystal quartz is typically colorless but can also be found with inclusions from other gemstones that formed nearby. From tiny seed beads to large focal beads, it comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes and is one of the most versatile stones available. Its prevalence makes it highly affordable, but its beauty rivals that of many other more expensive gemstones.

In metaphysical communities, crystal quartz is highly prized for many, many reasons. It is believed to amplify any energy that is programmed into it. It also amplifies the energies of other stones when used in conjunction with them. Clear crystal quartz is said to be the most versatile stone for healing, communication with spirit guides, meditation, attracting love, and a wide range of other purposes. As a master healer, it is believed to treat virtually any condition.

Whether you enjoy making crystal jewelry for its purported metaphysical properties or you are simply looking for a brilliant clear stone to make your creations sparkle, clear quartz beads are something that every jewelry maker should have. As the most common gemstone on Earth, it is widely available and can easily be sourced for any project.

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