Want to add natural beads to your DIY jewelry? They come in every shape, color and size. Here are some simple and fun ideas you can use as inspiration.
If you’ve been wanting to infuse more color, texture and unique elements into your jewelry, look no further than Mother Nature.
Humans have been making jewelry with things found in nature for centuries. These materials aren’t just pretty, they can also add symbolism and a fun history to your creations.
If you plan to use some natural elements, their holes can be rough so use a bead reamer to smooth them out.
Below is a list of natural materials that you can include in your jewelry.
Historically, bone has been a component of jewelry as is evident any time you see pieces made thousands of years ago.
Bone beads can be quite ornate with intricate carvings or painted patterns on their surfaces. There are also ones that are quite simplistic in shape and design.
I’ve always wondered where the bone used to make beads comes from. As it turns out, cow bones are quite popular, along with other animals like sheep and camel.
After animals have been killed for food, their bones are cleaned and processed into beads.
One of the most popular natural elements to include in beaded jewelry is stone. This can be anything from natural lava beads to semi-precious stones.
Natural gemstone beads are gathered from every corner of the world, come in every color of the rainbow and are found in a huge variety of shapes and textures.
Some are thought to have special powers and it’s these interesting attributes that have encouraged humans to wear stones for years. For example, in ancient times, Citrine was carried as protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Today, it’s associated with prosperity.
Besides mythological uses, there are practical uses for natural stone beads. Some people add a few drops of essential oil to porous stones such as lava which adds an aromatherapeutic quality to your jewelry.
Whether you use real leather or faux, there’s no denying that there’s a long list of ways you can incorporate this natural material into jewelry. Choose from leather tassels, bands, cord and even leather-covered beads.
Another common material is wood. You can find natural wood beads in many shapes and sizes. There are even some colored wooden beads.
Love the bohemian look? Add some feathers to your jewelry.
These lightweight dangles are commonly used in earrings but are also added to necklaces.
When most people think of nature, they envision plants. So, it’s only fair that I add plants to this article.
Resin-encased plants or even natural beads and charms shaped like them are some of the ways that you can include plants in beaded jewelry.
One type of natural beads that pretty much everyone can get their hands on is seeds. These things are everywhere and many types are used to make jewelry.
Of course, you’ll need to drill holes in them if you plan to slide them onto cord or wire for jewelry-making. But, incorporating local seeds into your jewelry can be a fantastic way to differentiate your work from others’ and might be worth the effort. This can be an amazing sales point if you own a jewelry business.
Of course, you can also purchase seeds already drilled from stores like Fire Mountain Gems.
Some seeds are poisonous so please make sure you do your homework before grabbing any off trees yourself.
Natural fibers e.g. hemp, cotton and bamboo jewelry-making cords come in various thicknesses and colors. They add a more rustic feel to jewelry.
Fibers come in pre-cut lengths on cards or in bulk on a spool. How much you buy depends on the project you’re working on. These work well in macrame, but also crotchet, knotting and other jewelry-making techniques.
Add a beachy feel to your jewelry by using shells.
If you live near a beach like I do, you can have the pleasure of collecting your own. But, if you’re land-locked, you can still find these at most bead shops.
Did you know you could make beads out of sand?
Neither did I until I was doing research for this article, but apparently you can.
Click here to learn how to make sand beads.
Corral beads come in lots of shapes and sizes. They can also be natural or dyed a color.
But, many people don’t realize that coral reefs are produced by living creatures. These reefs protect coastlines and provide shelter for marine life.
Due to demand for home decor, souvenirs and jewelry, corals are dying at an alarming rate. They grow very slowly and take years to reach maturity.
Commercial harvesting, among other things like pollution, is responsible for the destruction of corral beds. This is one type of natural element I would advise you to avoid adding to your jewelry.
Okay, I’m stepping off my soapbox.
Natural beads and other jewelry-making materials add a nice touch to your crafts. Combine them with thread, wire or even chain for a unique look.
Check this out: How to Select Colors For Your Beaded Jewelry Projects.
Are you looking for the perfect beads to make your jewelry stand out? Gemstone beads are an excellent choice for creating beautiful pieces of jewelry that are unique and eye-catching. From precious ruby to semi precious garnet, the variety of gemstone beads available is virtually endless, allowing you to create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular gemstone beads used for jewelry making, from the classic citrine to the ever-trendy amethyst. Keep reading to find out which gemstone beads are the perfect fit for your jewelry designs.
TOURMALINE BEADS
Tourmaline beads have been used in jewelry making for centuries. This type of gemstone is known for its range of beautiful colors, including pink, green, blue, and more. It is also highly sought after due to its unique luster and durability, making it a great choice for jewelry designs.
Using tourmaline beads for jewelry making has many advantages. Not only are they attractive, but they also possess healing properties that can help you relax and rejuvenate. Tourmaline is also believed to balance energies and protect the wearer from negative forces.
These gemstone beads can also be used to make earrings, necklaces, and pendants. With their versatile nature and endless possibilities, tourmaline beads are sure to give your jewelry designs an extra sparkle!
AMETHYST BEADS
Amethyst beads are highly sought after, as they come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Amethyst has a beautiful deep purple color, and its hardness makes it perfect for creating jewelry pieces. These can be used to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. They have a sparkle and luster that adds an elegant touch to any jewelry piece.
Amethyst is believed to possess healing properties, making it a great choice for those who seek to benefit from the healing power of gemstones. When shopping for Amethyst Beads, it’s important to look for quality pieces. Choose beads with vibrant colors and a good cut. In addition, look for those that are well-polished and without any visible imperfections or cracks.
Overall, Amethyst Beads are a great choice for anyone looking to add an elegant touch to their jewelry designs. With its beautiful purple hue and healing properties, this gemstone is perfect for creating unique and special pieces.
ROSE QUARTZ BEADS
Rose quartz is a beautiful stone that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. This quartz has a soft pink hue and its delicate beauty adds a feminine touch to any jewelry piece. Rose quartz beads are an excellent choice for jewelry makers who want to add an extra element of charm to their creations.
Rose quartz is said to be the stone of unconditional love and friendship, making it an ideal choice for necklaces or bracelets that commemorate special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays. Its healing powers are believed to help one find inner peace and increase self-esteem, while also aiding in communication between two people.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, rose quartz beads are also very affordable, making them an excellent choice for DIY projects and gift-giving. With its calming properties, rose quartz beads make a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection.
LAPIS LAZULI BEADS
Lapis lazuli is a stunning semi-precious stone with intense, deep blue color and golden flecks that make it perfect for making beautiful jewelry. The blue hue of the stone is associated with royalty and power, so it’s not surprising why so many people choose to make jewelry out of it. Not only is lapis lazuli stunningly beautiful, but it also has great healing properties such as soothing physical and emotional pain, and reducing stress and tension.
When it comes to lapis lazuli beads, there is no shortage of options. The beads come in a variety of shapes, sizes and shades. From smooth, round beads to jagged chips, the choice is yours! You can mix and match different shapes, sizes and shades to create an amazing piece of jewelry that perfectly reflects your personality.
Lapis lazuli beads are incredibly versatile and can be used to make anything from necklaces, bracelets and earrings to chokers, pendants and rings. They look gorgeous on their own or when combined with other gems like amethyst or citrine.
RUBY BEADS
Ruby beads are one of the most sought-after red gemstones in jewelry making that are known for their bright to deep red hue. They are believed to bring out strong positive energy and stimulate your passion, power, and leadership qualities. Ruby beads make perfect accessories for special occasions, or even for everyday wear.
When buying ruby beads, it’s important to look for genuine stones. Most rubies come from Myanmar, but they can also be sourced from India and Sri Lanka. As with any gemstone purchase, be sure to read the description to ensure that the stone is genuine and of good quality.
Overall, ruby beads are perfect for creating elegant and timeless jewelry pieces that can be enjoyed for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion gift or something to add a little sparkle to your own wardrobe, ruby beads make the perfect choice.
SAPPHIRE BEADS
Sapphire beads are a luxurious choice of gemstone beads for jewelry making. This stunning gemstone has a bright blue color that is said to represent royalty, wisdom, and truth. Sapphire beads are perfect for bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The eye-catching color makes them an ideal choice for any special occasion.
These sapphire beads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The highest quality sapphire beads have the deepest hue and the most clarity. These blue stones are durable and scratch resistant, making them ideal for everyday wear. The hardness of sapphire stones makes them a great choice for rings, too. The hardness also ensures they will retain their color and sparkle for years to come.
Sapphire beads are an ideal choice for jewelry makers who want to create timeless pieces. Their vibrant color and durability make them a great option for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their wardrobe.
GARNET BEADS
Garnet beads are a favorite choice for jewelry-making, as they come in a variety of vibrant and intense hues, from deep burgundy reds to bold greens. They look particularly beautiful when combined with gold accents.
Garnet beads are known for their healing properties, helping to cleanse, purify and balance the body’s energy field. Additionally, they have been known to bring courage, strength and protection to the wearer. Garnet beads can also be used to help one find joy in life and increase passion and energy levels.
Garnet is a great choice for any type of jewelry, whether you’re looking for an eye-catching necklace or a subtle bracelet. From small faceted shapes to large round ones, the possibilities are endless. You can also get creative and combine garnet beads with other gemstones for a one-of-a-kind piece.
No matter what you decide to create, garnet beads will make your project stand out and will add an extra element of elegance and beauty to it. So if you’re looking to add some extra sparkle and shine to your jewelry collection, don’t hesitate to give garnet beads a try.
PERIDOT BEADS
Peridot is a stone of sunshine, light, and life. It is said to bring joy, abundance, and good health to its wearer. Peridot beads are versatile and make beautiful jewelry pieces. They come in various shades of green, from a light lime green to a deep, dark olive. The subtle yet striking color makes peridot a favorite gemstone among many jewelry makers.
Peridot has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and is believed to promote healing, success, and protection. It is often used in healing rituals and is believed to bring harmony and balance to the wearer. Peridot is also believed to have calming and soothing effects, making it the perfect stone for those looking for stress relief.
They can be used to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. No matter what type of jewelry you’re creating, peridot beads are sure to make a statement.
Whether you’re looking for a piece with an earthy feel or something that stands out in the crowd, peridot beads are the perfect choice. When paired with other natural gemstones like amethyst or quartz, they create stunning pieces that you won’t want to take off!
CITRINE BEADS
Citrine beads are a beautiful and popular gemstone bead used for jewelry making. Citrine is the yellow to golden-brown variety of quartz, and is known as the 'Success Stone' due to its association with achieving success in business, money, and luck.
Citrine can be found in various shades of yellow to orange. While lighter shades tend to be the most popular, some of the darker shades such as Madeira have a unique and eye-catching appeal. Citrine has been used for centuries in jewelry making, going all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman times.
Citrine is said to have healing properties that can promote physical and emotional well-being. It is also thought to be a powerful stone for manifestation, allowing you to focus on what you want in life and helping you to make it happen.
If you're looking for a gemstone bead that will bring success and good luck to your jewelry designs, then citrine beads are definitely worth considering. With their beautiful yellow-gold color and healing properties, they make an excellent choice for any jewelry maker.
EMERALD BEADS
Emerald is a precious gemstone known for their brilliant green hue. Beads made from these green stones bring an eye-catching brilliance to any jewelry piece. When it comes to emerald beads, there is a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. Emerald beads come in shades ranging from light blue-green (Zambian Emerald) to deep green (Colombian Emerald), so you are sure to find the perfect color to match your project.
Aside from their beauty, emerald offers some amazing metaphysical benefits. They are believed to promote feelings of peace, calmness, and balance. Emeralds are also said to boost intuition, enhance clarity, and open up the heart chakra. So if you are looking for a stone that brings emotional healing and spiritual guidance, emerald beads may be the perfect choice for you.
Overall, emerald beads are an incredible gemstone that can be used to create stunning pieces of jewelry. Whether you are a beginner or an expert jeweler, they are sure to add an extra touch of glamour to your designs. With so many shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from, you can always find the perfect emerald beads to suit your style.
Each of these gemstones has its own unique properties and uses, so it is important to research each one before purchasing. It's also important to buy gemstone beads from a reputable source in order to get the best quality and value for your money.
If you are looking for the best quality gemstone beads for jewelry making, then look no further than GemsBiz. GemsBiz offers a wide variety of gemstone beads in different sizes, shapes, and colors that can be used for all kinds of jewelry pieces. From classic round citrine beads to statement pieces like rose quartz and sapphire beads, GemsBiz has something for everyone.
Check out our website today and start shopping for the perfect gemstone beads for your project!