CCB Beads for Bracelets, Jewellery and Seasonal Charms

CCB beads are lightweight plastic beads with a metallic coating. They look like gold, silver, bronze, graphite or antiqued metal — a darkened, aged-looking finish — but weigh far less. That makes them easy to work with in bracelets, necklaces, earrings, seasonal charms, keychains and DIY projects.

What matters with CCB beads

CCB beads have a plastic core with a metallic layer over the surface. That’s the main advantage: they look like metal but weigh and cost less They’re a good fit for chunky pieces that would be far too heavy in real metal.

When CCB beads are the better choice

Choose CCB beads when you want a metal look without the weight. They’re especially handy for larger bracelets, long necklaces, earrings, small seasonal charms and children’s craft projects.

If you’re after more weight, a cooler feel in the hand and a more realistic metal material, take a look at metal beads and components.

If you like the metal look but want to see other options, browse metallised plastic beads as well. They’re another lightweight alternative to real metal, with a metallic surface coating.

Types and shapes

CCB beads come in a range of shapes — rounds, hearts, flowers, clovers, rings, cylinders, discs, pendants and connectors (short links with a hole at each end). Round shapes are the easiest to string evenly. Figural shapes work well as the centrepiece of a bracelet, a charm or a pendant.

Larger CCB beads suit chunky jewellery and accessories. Smaller ones are better as spacers — small beads set between the larger ones — and in earrings and delicate bracelets.

For more transparency, deeper colour or a finer shine, it’s worth comparing them with glass beads.

What they’re used for

• Bracelets. CCB beads work well on elastic bracelets, because they’re light and easy to string. Use a single metal tone throughout, or alternate them with plainer beads.
• Necklaces. On longer necklaces, CCB gives you the metal look without the weight. That matters if you’re using larger beads or a lot of decorative components.
• Earrings. Light weight is a real advantage here. CCB beads let you build a bolder shape without the earring dragging on your earlobe.
• Seasonal charms. They add a gold, silver or antique accent to red-and-white cord without making the piece heavy. For spring makes, pair them with twisted yarn in matching colours.

What to combine them with

For quick bracelets, use elastic cord. For small charm-making, twisted yarn and thin cord are a good match. For a sturdier build on necklaces, keychains or pendants, go for beading cord, wire or a suitable string.

Cords and elastics

a base for bracelets

Metal wire

for a sturdier build

Metal accessories

clasps and rings

Pliers and tools

for closing jump rings

Frequently asked questions