Ok, what am I missing here? I've always suspected that bead sizes varied across supplier - not a big issue, just curious. So I ordered a caliper from South Pacific, and it came yesterday with my big order from them. (Unfortunately, unlike Kathy N-V, it takes almost two weeks to get an order from them out to Kansas - but it was still great stuff.)
Anyway, I start measuring beads. Imagine my surprise (not really, but consternation all the same) to find out that 4mm beads are not - they're
2mm. 6mm beads are 4mm. 8mm beads are 6mm. This is across 3 different suppliers, several different types of stones. I didn't think to measure the sterling and gold-filled, but at least visually, I don't recall having the same question, so I don't think it's the case with them. I also haven't measured different shapes, to see if those measurements are accurate.So, am I unaware of some industry standard that says subtract 2mm when listing size? Does diameter not mean diameter when it comes to beads? Is it truly consistent across the industry? I'd hate to start ordering a size up and suddenly actually get the real size I ordered.
Any insight on this?
Thanks, Karin