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Frequently Asked Questions about Gemstone and Pearl Beads
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Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about gemstone beads.
What is the definition of semiprecious stones?
Semiprecious stones are gems that are not considered as rare or expensive as precious stones.
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What are Transparent Beads?
Transparent beads are beads that light can shine through, and they come in virtually any color, shape and size.
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What are Opaque Beads?
Opaque beads are one solid color and light cannot pass through the bead.
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What units of measure are used to determine the weight of gemstones?
The common weight measurements for stones and gemstones are carats and ounces.
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What are Donut beads?
Gemstone Donut Beads
, usually used in jewelry making, are generally circular flat beads with a large hole. Like the name suggests, donut beads look similar to the donut you would eat.
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What is a Pi Bead? Is it different than a Donut bead?
A pi bead is simply a round donut bead.
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How can I use a donut bead as a pendant?
Besides the obvious center hole, some donut beads (sometimes called Donut buttons) have a side-drilled hole going perpendicular to the center hole.
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What are hex cut beads?
Hex beads are cut on 6 sides and are also known as three-cut beads.
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What is the difference between a freshwater & a salt water pearl?
Freshwater pearls
have more imperfections, such as not being as round or smooth, when compared to salt water pearls.
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What does the term "reassembled gemstone" mean?
Some gemstones that are used in the beading world are "reassembled". The reason usually is that the gemstone is in short supply, or that it is too unstable (crumbly) to make a well shaped bead with a nice glossy polish.
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What do the terms "luster," "orient," and "overtone" mean in relation to pearls?
Luster describes the way pearls seem to glow from within. It's based on the depth of reflection due to the layering of the aragonite crystal.
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What is mother of pearl?
Mother of pearl is the lustrous coating that lines the inside of an oyster or mussel shell.
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How is the quality of a pearl determined?
The criteria that determine the quality of a pearl are based in part on the type of pearl being evaluated. In the case of
freshwater pearls
, these include shape, size, color, luster and surface quality.
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What shapes do freshwater pearls come in?
Thanks to some new nucleating techniques, freshwater pearls can be found in a nearly endless variety of shapes, but the more traditional shapes include:
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How do you size round beads & seed beads?
Many people get confused about how different beads and wire are sized and how that compares to inches. These tables should help....
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What does "std" stand for?
In the beading industry, "std" is an abbreviation for strand.
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What are some uses for donut beads?
Donuts can be used as a pendant on a necklace, in earring designs, or as spacers for other beads.
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What shapes do donuts come in?
Donut beads come in all shapes and sizes. Some newer style donut beads include half donuts, triangle donuts, axe donuts, oval donuts, figure-8 donuts and heart donuts.
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