Cat's Eyes - Dzi Beads - Crystals

Beads can be made from almost anything, but one standard type of bead is the metal bead. As the name goes, metal beads can be made of various types of metals - from non-precious metals such as brass and copper to precious metals such as silver and gold. And it's not necessary for each metal bead to be made of only one type of metal. Combinations of metals can be used. In fact, there are so many combinations of metals that can be used to make metal beads that this category of beads alone is quite large.

But I will list down the common types of metal beads. Each type of bead can come in various sizes and shapes.

1. Base metal beads
   These beads are made of non-precious metals such as bronze, copper, aluminium and nickel. Like in conventional jewelry, these metals beads are cheap replacements for more expensive ones.
   
   
2. Precious metal beads
   Precious metal beads are mostly made of pure gold. These gold beads can come in two forms, 24K gold (100% gold, but is soft and very expensive) or 14K gold (58.3% gold, and is relatively stronger and less expensive). These type of beads are much less used compared to the rest due to the price and relative softness.
   
   
3. Plated beads
   Plated beads refer to beads that are created through electroplating. Again, this concept is similar to conventional jewelry, where more expensive metals - such as gold and silver - are layered over cheaper base metals such as copper. Plated beads are relatively cheap, but the plating can degrade over time.
   
   
4. Filled beads
   Generally refers to gold-filled beads. The name "gold-filled beads" is actually a misnomer, given that gold-filled beads are not filled with gold. Rather, the gold is on the outside, while a base metal is inside. The resulting bead not only looks like gold, but is very durable.
   
   
5. Sterling silver beads
   These beads are a mix of silver and a stronger metal (such as copper). Usually the mix is 92.5% silver and 7.5% of the stronger metal. One reason why sterling silver beads exist is the fact that pure silver is too soft a metal. Moreover, while sterling beads tarnish easily, they have the advantage of being less prone to triggering allergic reactions compared to other non-pure metal jewelry.
   
   
6. Vermeil
   A special type of plated bead, where sterling silver is electroplated with gold.
   
   

While metal beads will only form part of your arsenal of beads, it is worthwhile to understand their various types as you will most definitely find yourself using them.