One of the most popular beads to use for most jewelry projects is the rhinestone. There are a wide variety of quality levels available in these nifty little gems, and one of the most affordable is silver rhinestone beads. One of the things about these beads that artisans love the most is the fact that they come in as wide a variety of shapes as other affordable bead styles. For those who may be new to the trade and unfamiliar with these accounts, we will cover the five basic ways for you here.
Round
Definitely one of the most popular choices when it comes to choosing silver rhinestone beads, the round shape has to be used the most. Available in a variety of sizes, from the smallest to the largest in a quarter, and in two different styles: smooth and faceted. Plain means that the surface of the stone is clear, with no additions or facets. These will often also have a flat back, with foil, perfect for mounting to a cabochon. Faceted means that the stone mimics the appearance of precious and semi-precious stones, with a quality that makes it difficult to tell the difference.
Tube
These thin, elongated silver rhinestone beads are often used in traditional American Indian designs. Typically worn in the finest earth tones, they are often paired with turquoise beads to simulate intricate designs from hundreds of years ago. Their long, ribbed shape also makes them perfect to use in bead weaving patterns, as well as as a stitched accent for clothing and home furnishings projects.
Barrel
Rounded and thick in the middle, but tapered at each end, the silver rhinestone bead barrel shape is a popular choice for some of today’s contemporary designs. A popular design is to create a medium to long chain of these beads, separated from each other by silver or gold spacer beads. They also work wonderfully with drop pendants that are not gemstone in nature.
Carving
This type of silver rhinestone beads can be one of the most beautiful of all. A tube or barrel bead is carved with an intricate design, turning it from a simple but pretty bead into a miniature work of art. The carvings can be left transparent, the lines darkened or hand painted with small dots of color. Whichever you choose, be sure to make them the centerpiece of your piece, and they’ll work great on earrings, anklets, and necklaces.
Conformed
Standing out aesthetically over other rhinestone beads, shaped beads are also carved, but in a shape, rather than having an added design. Made from flat or slightly rounded beads, shapes made include flowers, hearts, animals and birds, or elegant geometric figures. Best used as pendants or center beads in chokers, bracelets and earrings, they are comparable in beauty and quality to more expensive gemstones and crystals.
