Gemstone beads is one of  my big time favorites. They can give a particular stylish and heavy look to your jewelry, which is priceless! Combined with sterling silver or metal clay, gems are a winner for us beaders.

Many bead shops and online retailers sell lovely jewelry gemstones. You can buy them piece by piece, or on strands. If you buy gemstones by strands they’re usually separated by plastic or wire spacers. High quality gemstones are sometimes sold by weight. Examples of popular gemstones:

What to look for

As a general rule gemstones with deep consistent color and few “flaws” are more valuable. Unless you are buying a graduated strand, look for strands that have beads of a uniform size and shape. When comparing prizes, remember that rare and highly faceted gems are supposed to be more expensive. That also applies to stones with complicated cutting and polishing.

Keeping gemstones

Since color is the most obvious and attractive feature of gemstones, most commercially sold gemstone beads have been enhanced one way or the other. Enhancements can include dying, heat treatment, irradiation or stabilizers like resin or wax. This way it’s possible to improve the appearance or durability of a gemstone. All treatments are not permanent… Remember to check that when you purchase.

If you’re not sure whether your gemstones have a permanent enhancement, only clean the jewelry with warm soapy water. Avoid harsch chemicals or high heat, which can cause the gems to fade or crack. Store softer gemstones in separate bags or boxes, where they won’t be scratched by other jewelry.

Turquoise disk

Cut and shape

Opaque stones such as opal, turquoise, variscite, etc. are commonly cut as cabochons, which are designed to show the stone’s color or surface properties.

Transparent gems are usually faceted, a method which maximizes the reflected light seen as a sparkle.

Get your creativity together and take those shiny gems and bead a stunning necklace or bracelet, or why not a pair or earrings? With only a few beads you can make a pair of  really tasty earrings! Right now I’m planning my next gemstone project, eyes going to those jade beads… :)