The Bead Shop

Japanese beads

We supply Japanese seed beads manufactured by Matsuno, they have a more consistent shape than Czech seed beads. The seed beads are measured in comparison to an inch. 11 beads per inch, size size 11/0 . 6 beads per inch, size 6/0 . 

Size 6/0 are often used for embellishment and at the end of dangle earrings and jewelry that are primarily composed of size 11/0. The 6/0 beads are perfect for the base of bracelets with 11/0 beads as embellishment. The 6/0 beads work well in combination with 11/0 beads for sculptures and jewelry

All these small beads come in many types of finishes. The bead finishes are listed below along with names, abbreviations and explanations:

Ceylon - beads are sometimes identified as pearlized because of the pearly appearance of the finish. Ceylon beads can have a color line in the bead hole which will change or enhance the bead appearance. This bead is a favorite for making beadwork that appears to be composed of pearls.

Inside Colour - Clear glass beads with color added inside the bead hole after the bead is made. If you put color-lined beads up to the light, you will see the transparent bead rim and the color within the bead hole

Matte - Beads that have been submerged in a an etch compound or tumbled, removing part or all of the top layer of the bead surface, leaving the bead smooth. Beads can appear very matted or semi-matted, depending on how long the beads were left in the etching compound.

Opaque  - These beads have no transparency; you can not see through the bead. The finish is flat and there is minimal shine to the surface. Opaque beads can have a rainbow finish. Opaque beads are good contrast next to shiny, matte and beads with other finishes.

Rainbow - These beads are also known as Aurora Borealis (AB), Iris and Fancy. The beads have finishes that appear either as several shades of the same color highlighted or various highlights in more than one color on the bead surface.

Square hole - These beads have a square hole in the center and traditionally the hole is larger than round hole beads. These beads are sometimes mistaken for the cut beads

Bugle - These beads are a type of bead which is tubular in shape and cut to various different lengths. Available in different colours, finishes and twists. We stock size 3 which is equivalent to a size 11 seed beads.
 

Silver-lined - These beads are made with transparent or opal glass and have a mirror like reflective lining in their holes. With most of these beads the hole is square to enhance the bead’s reflectiveness.

Iris - These beads have a multicolor finish, which creates a rainbow type effect all around each bead, but also causes a range of color hues and tones within any mix.

Transparent - These beads allow the light to show though.

Frosted -  These beads have mooth non-reflective finsish.