Glass Bead Strands for Jewellery, Charms and Decoration

Glass bead strands are ready-made lengths of glass beads in one or several colours. Rather than picking and counting out beads one by one, you grab a strand and get straight to work.

You’ll find rounds, ovals, teardrops, cylinders and other shapes here, in a range of finishes — clear, pearl, printed, metallised, crackle and rainbow. Sizes and bead counts vary by model.

Why choose a ready-made strand?

• A colour scheme, done for you. The beads come in chosen colours and shapes, so there’s no gathering them one at a time.
• Easier to plan. You can see how a bracelet or necklace will look before you even take the strand apart.
• Ideal for sets. Making several matching pieces? A strand gives you a ready supply in a single model and colour.

Most come strung on a temporary thread for storage and sale. Before you start, move the beads onto a suitable beading cord, elastic, wire or string to fit your project.

Shapes, sizes and finishes

• Rounds. The most versatile shape for bracelets and necklaces, in fine sizes right up to chunky ones.
• Ovals and long shapes. They sit differently from rounds and give the strand a different rhythm.
• Teardrops and other shapes. Good for accents and themed pieces.
• Clear and pearl. Easy to combine with other colours.
• Printed and metallised. They add a coloured motif or a metal accent.
• Crackle and rainbow. Crackle beads — clear glass with a network of fine internal cracks for extra texture — and rainbow beads that shift colour as the light catches them.

What they’re used for

• Bracelets. A strand makes a handy base for single-row bracelets, and takes other beads and spacers well.
• Necklaces. Use the whole strand for one row, or split it up and work in different accents.
• Earrings. Pick out the small beads and pair them with earring findings — the small metal parts earrings are built on — and other metal pieces.
• Decorations and accessories. Use the beads for small decorative touches, keychains, bag charms and gift wrap.

What to combine them with

Glass beads sit happily with metal, leather, wood and textile. For a cleaner look, pick one main colour and add metal spacers. For a boho feel, mix glass with wooden beads and a leather or fabric cord.

You’ll want a suitable base to string them on, and a clasp or other metal parts to finish:

Cords and elastics

for bracelets

Metal spacers

for an accent

Clasps and parts

for finishing

Frequently asked questions