If you are creatively inclined, or a little bit gifted in the craft department, then you will probably be interested in trying your hand at creating some jewellery and accessories from beads.
Throughout history and in cultures around the world, beads, gems, stones, and other small items have been used to create jewellery, adornment, and special-event clothing.
Today there is a huge range of bead suppliers offering an incredible variety of different types of beads for all sorts of applications.
In this article we will take a look at some of the different types and styles of beads that are currently available and discuss how to choose the right type of beads for whatever you are creating.
Beads to use if you are making a bracelet
A bracelet if often the starting point if you are just embarking on your creative journey with beads. There are lots of simple designs that are easy to follow to create attractive and stylish jewellery.
Choosing the right beads
Often, the huge range of options can be a little overwhelming. If you are making the bracelet as a gift, one way to help you narrow down your search is to focus on the person that you are making the bracelet for. If it is a birthday gift, then why not incorporate the person’s birthstone to make it more personal?
Each month of the year has a corresponding precious stone and semi-precious stone – so you can tailor your design depending on your budget. There are also some crystal equivalents for each month that gives you some additional options as you are building your creation.
Let’s take a look at the stones for each month that would be attractive beads for bracelets.
In January, the precious stone is Garnet; the semi-precious stone is rose quartz; and the crystal alternatives are siam, garnet, or rose.
In February, the precious stone is Amethyst; the semi-precious stone is Onyx; and the crystal alternatives are amethyst or jet.
In March, the precious stone is Aquamarine; the semi-precious stone is Red Jasper; and the crystal alternative is aquamarine.
In April, the precious stone is Diamond; the semi-precious stone is Rock Crystal; and the crystal alternative is crystal AB.
In May, the precious stone is Emerald; the semi-precious stone is Chrysoprase; and the crystal alternative is emerald green.
In June, the precious stone is Moonstone; the semi-precious stone is Pearl; and the crystal alternatives are light topaz, smoky topaz, light tan, or pearl.
In July, the precious stone is Ruby; the semi-precious stone is Carnelian; and the crystal alternatives are siam or garnet.
In August, the precious stone is Peridot; the semi-precious stone is Aventurine; and the crystal alternative is Peridot.
In September, the precious stone is Sapphire, the semi-precious stone is Lapis Lazuli; and the crystal alternatives are sapphire or Montana sapphire.
In October, the precious stone is Tourmaline; the semi-precious stone is Opal; and the crystal alternative is Smoky Topaz.
In November, the precious stone is Citrine; the semi-precious stone is Topaz; and the crystal alternative is Topaz or Colorado topaz.
In December, the precious stone is Zircon; the semi-precious stone is Turquoise; and the crystal alternative is Light sapphire or topaz.
Everyone loves a bracelet – it’s time to get crafty!
