Whether you're a seasoned jeweler or just starting your creative journey, choosing the right gemstone beads can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of stone varieties, grades, and cuts available, where do you even begin? This guide breaks it down simply.
1. Understand Stone Grades
Not all gemstones are created equal. Stones are typically graded A through AAA, with AAA representing the highest clarity, color saturation, and surface finish. At Best In Beads, every strand we carry is hand-inspected at international gem fairs — we only bring home what passes our eye.
2. Match the Stone to Your Design
Think about the finished piece before you buy. Delicate labradorite tumbles suit minimalist, earthy designs. Bold faceted sapphire rounds command attention in statement necklaces. Smooth moonstone chips work beautifully in layered boho styles. The bead should serve the vision, not the other way around.
3. Consider Drill Hole Quality
An often-overlooked detail — the drill hole. Poorly drilled beads crack prematurely, cause uneven thread tension, and frustrate the stringing process. Look for clean, centered holes with no chips around the entry point. Our strands are inspected bead by bead for exactly this.
4. Think About Colour Consistency
A strand is only as beautiful as its most inconsistent bead. When buying online, always request images of the full strand — not just a single stone. At Best In Beads, our product photos show the actual strand you receive, so there are no surprises.
5. Know Your Carats vs. Size
Gemstones are sold by weight (carats) or by piece count per strand. A heavier strand doesn't always mean larger beads — denser stones like garnet weigh more per bead than lighter stones like howlite. Check both the carat weight and the bead size in millimeters before purchasing.
Have questions about a specific stone? Reach out — our veteran-owned team sources personally and knows every strand in our inventory.