Below is a table to help you work out how many beads you will need for different lengths of wire

bead size (mm)
wire length (inch)
4mm
6mm
8mm
10mm
14mm
16mm
12"
77
51
39
31
22
20
14"
89
60
45
36
26
23
16"
102
68
51
41
29
26
20"
127
85
64
51
37
32
24"
154
102
77
61
44
39
28"
178
119
89
72
51
45
32"
204
136
102
82
59
51

 

  

Abbreviations used on this site -
grms - grams
mm - milimeters
av - average

Common beading words explained -
rondelle - round bead with two flat sides.

callotte - used to cover a crimp bead. Clamped on top to make a neat necklace

head pin - used to make a "dangle" on a necklace or earrings.

AB finish - (Aurora Borealis) bead shines with all the colours of the rainbow

 
yellow turquise stone beads

 

 

 

Semi precious beads
  • Grading - semi precious stones are graded as AAA, AA, A, B, C, D
  • AAA is the highest grade, but it is very rare to find this grade or AA grade in a bead. Stones of these grades are normally found as faceted gems as they are worth more in this form.
  • Grading is assessed by the following qualities - cut, colour, clarity
  • cut - most perfect cut stones - eg evenly spaced and sized facets
  • colour - normally the most intense, deep colour will be graded highest
  • clarity - the fewest inclusions and flaws will be graded highest

 

Measurement conversion chart

Multiply by
To get
feet
0.305
meters
feet
30
centimeters
inches
25.4
milimeters
inches
2.5
centimeters
grams
0.035
ounces
kilograms
2.20
pounds

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