Bead Size Variation

Bead Size Variation

Glass beads come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common shape is the regular round, often referred to as round, rondelle, or rocailles. The round shape with the hole centered is the common feature of the standard glass seed bead. The term rondelle refers to a round jewel, this can be seen through the use of crystal and gem stone beads. The term rocaille is rooted from the French interpretation of symmetrically formed rocks or stones. This too gives the notion of round rocks, stones, and possible valuable gems. The term rocailles is used frequently with the Czechyslovokian bead line. The figure below shows a basic distinction in bead wall thickness. The TOHO line has a thinner wall thickness which results in a lighter weight bead. Although the cost for this quality line is slightly higher the benefits in uniformity and in number of usable supply balance out the choice difference.

Cylinder beads are a very popular glass bead choice. They are used in flat work, pattern intense geometric designs, and provide a neat and clean symmetric design. The cylinders are similar in size to the round, with the exception of squared off tube shaped compared to ball shape rounding of the standard seed bead. The two closely related is the Myuki Delica cylinder line, and the TOHO Treasures line. The newest of Cylinder bead is in the TOHO AIKO beads. These are the most expensive of the cylinder line. The near perfection of the AIKO line contribute to a heightened quality in art crafting. The examples below show the various types of beads and the close symmetry of each.

Treasure's	Delica's	Aiko's