Crystal Beads for Jewellery, Charms and Decoration

Crystal beads are faceted glass beads — with cut sides that bend light from many angles.

Use them to add sparkle to creative projects like bracelets, necklaces, charms or craft decorations.

Types

Briefly, what’s behind the names:

• Czech crystal — from the Bohemian glassmaking tradition. More precise faceting and more consistent sizing between batches. For projects that need identical beads.
• Swarovski-style — sparkling glass that resembles the original Austrian crystals. Not a product of the brand. For elegant jewellery at an affordable price.
• Crystal beads — the standard faceted models in a wide colour range. For everyday jewellery and charms.

Many have an iridescent (rainbow) finish — a thin coating that shifts colour with the viewing angle, so the same bead looks different in daylight and under artificial light.

Shapes, sizes and hole

The main shape is the bicone — a double pyramid with facets that sits edge-forward on the strand.You’ll also find faceted round beads, discs, teardrops and hearts. Sizes range from 4 mm for fine rows to 10 mm for accents.

Crystal beads are sold in packs of 20 grams each. For 4 mm beads, that’s around a few hundred pieces; and for 10 mm, around forty. The approximate count is given with each item.

What they’re used for

• Bracelets and necklaces. Use them for the whole piece or just as an accent.
• Earrings. The small 4–6 mm sizes weigh little and sit well on earrings and necklaces.
• Prayer beads. The bicone lines up tightly and evenly, which matters where you need a repeating rhythm.
• Seasonal charms. Crystals also work for stylish charm-style bracelets.
• Festive decoration. Christmas ornaments, tiaras, wedding accessories — the possibilities are endless.

What to combine them with

If you’re after a ready-made strand rather than loose beads, take a look at crystal strands.

You’ll find all of this and more materials for your project here:

Wire and cord

a base for jewellery

Metal spacers

for rhythm

Clasps and parts

for a finished look

Needles and threaders

for the small parts

Frequently asked questions