Another question....I hope you don't mind...is there a difference in quality between seed beads from Japan, China and Europe?? I've been told that the seed beads you buy can come from any of these places, and the bags aren't always labelled with respect to origin.
Audrey
Hi Audrey, Here is a copy of a post I made on another list regarding this question. I hope you find it helpful.
There is so much information to learn just on seedbeads alone. There are 3 major factories in Japan that produce seedbeads. Miyuki, Toho and Matsuno.
Both Miyuki & Toho beads are a bit more rounded, with large holes. Matsuno beads tend to be taller (hole to hole) than they are around, making them look a bit cylindrical.
Miyuki also makes a Delica bead. It has a very thin wall with a large hole and is cylindrical in shape. When woven they fit together like little tiles.
The next most popular seed bead is from the Czech Republic. The beads are much more donut shaped than the Japanese variety. They also tend to have smaller holes. On average they are not as uniform as the Japanese seed beads, but this just adds to their character and charm. They are perfect for applique work because you can pick and choose fatter or thinner beads to fit where needed.
There are also seed beads from France. Not very uniform at all, but there are certain colors that only the French make. True pinks that do not fade.
Seedbeads are also made in many other countries, Italy, Taiwan, India...but I do not recommend them for beadwork. They would work in a craft project with some glue, tho. =o)
Here is a close-up scan of some of the above mentioned beads:
A Charlotte cut is a Czech size 13º with single facets, 1 or 2 generally on the bead. It has a subtle sparkle. Very pretty. And now within the past several years the Czechs also make what are called True Cuts. Sizes 15º, 11º and 8º similar to a Charlotte. Charlotte, however, is reserved for the original size 13º cut only.
Here is a link to a page on my site with information about the various finishes on seedbeads:
Becki,
Even though I'm a diehard Delica user, I found that information valuable. Thanks for posting it!
Starlia
Mavis
vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from snipped-for-privacy@aol.com (DreamBeadr) :
]Hi Audrey, ]Here is a copy of a post I made on another list regarding this question. I ]hope you find it helpful.
may i have permission to repost this [attributed as you like] on my "about beads" page?
----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)
Hi Beki
Thanks so much for posting that. Very informative and just what I was after. You mentioned the Asian seed beads and how they're not much good for beading. What about jewellery making? Is the source of the bead as significant if the appearance is pretty much the same?
I love this group! Good conversation, good fun, and answers to my questions. What else does a girl need?
Audrey
On Sun, 29 Feb 2004 23:58:19 -0500, Audrey wrote (in message ):
Japan is part of Asia, but I assume you mean Indian, Chinese and Taiwanese seed beads. Japanese beads are of wonderful quality. The others are not regular in shape, size, color, and are a nightmare to work with. You end up throwing out so many defective beads that it would be less expensive to use Japanese or Czech beads in the first place.
If I want a rustic, less uniform look, I use Czech seed beads. The small differences in them make an item look charming, not messy. For most pieces, I use Toho seed beads - they are uniform for the most part, and the curve of the bead is very attractive. For items that need to be very regular, with almost a tiled look, I use Delicas (or Toho Treasures, which are much cheaper).
When you say "Jewelry making," I asume you're talking about stringing, since many pieces of jewelry involve beadweaving. I think that the same problems exist with Indian, Chinese, Taiwanese and whatever other countries are making lesser quality seed beads. You end up throwing away so many beads that are broken, have no hole, have a hole that's too small to use, or are misshapen that you may as well have bought the good stuff in the first place.
For a pictoral comparison, please go to
More beads, and someone to do the housework.
Kathy N-V
You are very welcome Starlia. =o)
Beki
Sure you can Vicki....it is out there to try to help educate folks. The more folks it reaches, the better.
I hate knowing that beaders struggle with inferior products sometimes. We should all be blessed to have tangle free thread, beautiful beads in any color we desire, and for the lampworkers...a full tank! ;o)
Beki
Hi Audrey, Not Asian seedbeads....Indian & Taiwanese. Japanese seedbeads, and last I knew Japan was Asian ;o), are the highest quality you can get.
I am assuming by jewelry making you mean stringing? If so, the same applies. If the edge of the bead is not uniform, the beads will not sit upon each other well. The end result will be a very squiggly strand. If this is the look you are going for, then good. But also beware that the less well made seedbeads are also not culled for size properly, the holes are not consistent, nor are the colors even within the same batch.
Beki
Yeah, yeah...read ahead Beki =o)
Beki
vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from snipped-for-privacy@aol.com (DreamBeadr) :
]Sure you can Vicki....it is out there to try to help educate folks. The more ]folks it reaches, the better.
THANK YOU!
----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)
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