Decorative beads for jewelry making

Beads are among the most common jewelry-making supplies for making beautiful trinkets. Feeling crafty? String together a lovely necklace or bracelet of clay beads or glass beads interspersed with bead inserts and charms for a simple, one-of-a-kind piece. Choosing your own beads for jewelry making lets you infuse your piece with unique style and personalize your creations for loved ones. It's also a fun way to get kids interested in crafting and DIY.

Bead sizes and designs

Decorative beads come in a dizzying array of sizes, designs, and colors, from tiny seed beads to intricately carved metal beads. Some are smooth and shiny; others are carved with intricate designs. Some are painted by hand, and others dazzle in their natural state. You'll need the right jewelry-making and beading tools to manifest your design, as well as proper bead storage for everything you use to make it.

Common bead materials

Decorative beads for jewelry making and home decor come in all kinds of materials, each with its own look and feel. Some of the most common are: Gemstone beads : Gorgeous gemstones rank easily among the most popular bead materials. Multicolored tourmaline, beguiling tiger eye, and bright turquoise are just some of the many types of gemstone beads that sellers on Etsy carry. Glass beads : Another fantastic option for adding color, glass beads also come in many different textures, from smooth and shiny to smoky glass. Metal beads : Add some glam to your jewelry creations with metal beads made of silver, gold, stainless steel, bronze, and more. Clay beads : A favorite for craft projects, polymer clay beads typically come in sets of hundreds or even thousands in every color imaginable. Ceramic beads : Handmade ceramic beads impart a charming artisanal look. Some even feature intricate, hand-painted designs such as florals and animals. Wooden beads : Wooden beads are commonly used in home decor for their natural appeal. They come in smooth, painted, and carved designs in various colors.

Decorative beads for home decor

Beads aren't used just to make jewelry; you also can turn them into pretty pieces of home decor. For example, place large wooden beads in a decorative bowl on a side or coffee table. Or, wrap a string of them around other decorative items as an earthy accent. Add color and texture with tassels .

Beads

(11,925 Results)

Vintage Black and Silver Etched Czech Glass Square Star Beads 7mm (14)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Picasso Beads - Czech Glass Beads - Saturn Beads - Saucer Beads - Planet Beads - Cobalt Blue - UFO - 15pcs - 9x7mm - (5069)

(37,738)

Star Seller

$5.39

From shop GR8BEADS
Etsy’s Pick
Picasso Seed Beads - Large Seed Beads - 2/0 - Czech Glass Beads - Large Hole Beads - 6mm - 21" Strand - (2258)

(37,738)

Star Seller

$14.59

From shop GR8BEADS
Etsy’s Pick
10 Teardrops - Sea Glass Beads - Aqua - Long Drill Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making Jewelry - Frosted Beads - Recycled Glass Beads - 38x8mm

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.58
Original Price $6.20 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
African Sand Bead Mix - African Beads For Jewelry Making - Mixed Sizes and Colors ~5-9mm - 36 Inch Strand

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.20
Original Price $18.00 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
Vintage Pearly Tan Marbled Pearl Lucite Drop Teardrop Beads 30mm (10)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
190 Cylindrical Heishi Lapis Lazuli Beads: Genuine Lapis Stone Lapis Heishi Beads Heishi Shaped Beads 4mm Stone Beads (AFG-HSH-BLU-272)

(73,005)

Star Seller

$12.50

From shop TheBeadChest
Etsy’s Pick
10 - 38x8mm Long Teardrop Beads - Opaque Sea Glass Beads For Jewelry Making Jewelry Supplies - Frosted Beads - 8x38mm Opaque Lilac Purple

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.58
Original Price $6.20 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
48 Beads Made w/ Recycled Cola Bottles - 11mm Powder Glass Beads - Eco-Friendly African Beads - Fair Trade - Made in Ghana (RCY-RND-BLU-718)

(73,005)

Star Seller

$9.00

From shop TheBeadChest
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Ivory Lucite Rectangle Beads 26mm Matte Finish (12)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Lucite Marbled Tan Brown Caramel Saucer Donut Barrel Beads Chunky 23mm (4) Austrian

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
24" Strand || 6-28mm MATTE GLASS BEADS || Sea Glass Bead || 2mm Hole || Approximately 50 Beads || Assorted Colours, Shapes & Sizes

(2,593)

Sale Price $6.66
Original Price $7.40 (10% off)

From shop VintageLoopSupply
Vintage Silver Squared Oval Lucite Pillow Beads Textured Semi Matte 17mm (12)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
10 Teardrops - Long Teardrops - Cultured Sea Glass Beads - Frosted Glass Beads - 8x38mm - Ocean Blue

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.58
Original Price $6.20 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
Vintage Pearly Pearl Antique White Twisted Oval Lucite Beads 25mm (10)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
60pcs Silky Metallic Green/Gold/Copper Lustred Glass MAPLE LEAF Bead MIX 11x13mm Czech Glass Beads Pressed Leaf Beads Perles Perlen Perle

(29,780)

$13.64

From shop BeadsandmorebyYashma
Etsy’s Pick
Czech Glass Topaz Gold Etched Cathedral Beads 6mm (20)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
48 Recycled Java Glass Beads - Sea Glass Beads - Pizzazz Mix - Indonesian Faceted Glass Beads - Jewelry Making Supplies (JVA-USU-MIX-706)

(73,005)

Star Seller

$9.00

From shop TheBeadChest
Etsy’s Pick
60pcs Silky Metallic Blue/Silver/Lilac Lustred Glass MAPLE LEAF Bead MIX 11x13mm Czech Glass Beads Pressed Leaf Beads Perles Perlen Perle

(29,780)

$13.64

From shop BeadsandmorebyYashma
Etsy’s Pick
1 Strand Vintage Palmwood Barrel Spacer Beads Wood Grain 7mm (65 beads)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$4.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
50 - 6x9mm Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making - Czech Glass Beads - Smooth Briolette - Matte Lavender Blue Mix with Gold Dust - 50 beads

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.62
Original Price $6.25 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
Vintage Blue White Gold Washed Lucite Drop Teardrop Pendant Beads 40mm (6) Italy

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
5x7mm Teardrop Beads - Czech Glass Beads For Jewelry Making - Smooth Teardrops - Denim Blue Luster 5x7 Teardrops (50 Beads)

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.35
Original Price $5.95 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
7x5mm Picasso Grey Flower Cups, Czech glass beads, Rustic finish small bell beads - 25Pc - 0501

(80,935)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.64
Original Price $5.27 (50% off)

From shop MayaHoney
10 Teardrops - Cultured Sea Glass Beads - Long Drill Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making - TEAL Frosted Beads - 38x8mm

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.58
Original Price $6.20 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
Bird Beads - Gemstone Beads - Howlite Beads - Synthetic Turquoise Beads - 19x10mm - 15 inch Strand - (A525)

(37,738)

Star Seller

$3.99

From shop GR8BEADS
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Lucite Marbled Cream Ivory Tan Drop Teardrop Beads Matte 29mm (6)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Long Pale Pink Lucite Drop Teardrop Beads 42mm (6) Chunky

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage India Glass Green Baroque Nugget Beads AB 13mm (10)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Opaque Green Lucite Spacer Beads 8mm (30)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Lucite Marbled Peach Orange Pink Blue Red White Round Beads 14mm (12)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
12x16mm Flat Glass Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making - Smooth Briolette - Czech Glass Beads - Cobalt Blue - 20 Beads

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $6.52
Original Price $7.25 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
Rustic Indonesian Seed Beads For Jewelry Making - Large Seed Beads - Matte Seed Beads - Indonesian Glass - Boho Seed Beads - Sand - Choose

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $11.25
Original Price $12.50 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
Vintage Marbled Amethyst White Beige Tan Oval Lucite Beads 24mm (8)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
6x9mm Picasso dark blue czech glass teardrop beads, pressed drop top drilled beads 40pc - 3218

(80,935)

Star Seller

$4.06

From shop MayaHoney
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Lucite Etched Faceted Crystal Oval Pineapple AB Beads 15mm (12)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Deep Blue Lucite Round Beads 10mm (20)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.25

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Lucite Beads Etched Ivory Tan Brown Ornate Trunk Faux Wood Branch 28mm (10)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
12 Vintage Lucite Beads Coral Ovals 17mm

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.25

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Pearly Pink Acrylic Pendant Leaf Drop Beads 17mm (30)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.25

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Tortoise Tortoiseshell Round Lucite Beads 8mm (25)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Pearly Red Wine Gold Marbled Round Lucite Beads 14mm (12)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Sea Glass Rondelle - Cultured Recycled Sea Glass Beads - Jewelry Making Supply - Frosted Glass Bead - Light Aqua - 28pc - 12x5mm

(60,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.00
Original Price $4.45 (10% off)

From shop funkyprettybeads
Vintage Tan Beige Lucite Rectangle Beads 26mm Matte Finish (12)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Blue Lucite Donut Spacer Beads 15mm (16)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.25

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Plum Acrylic Spacer Disc Beads 8mm (30)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.25

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Lucite Rectangle Tube Beads Marbled Amethyst Purple White 13mm (30 beads)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.50

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick
Vintage Blue Marbled Oval Resin Beads 18mm (8 Beads)

(56,164)

Star Seller

$3.75

From shop ReductionNation
Etsy’s Pick

There's so much more for you to discover

Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Beads

Vintage Black and Silver Etched Czech Glass Square Star Beads 7mm (14)

Picasso Beads - Czech Glass Beads - Saturn Beads - Saucer Beads - Planet Beads - Cobalt Blue - UFO - 15pcs - 9x7mm - (5069)

Picasso Seed Beads - Large Seed Beads - 2/0 - Czech Glass Beads - Large Hole Beads - 6mm - 21" Strand - (2258)

10 Teardrops - Sea Glass Beads - Aqua - Long Drill Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making Jewelry - Frosted Beads - Recycled Glass Beads - 38x8mm

African Sand Bead Mix - African Beads For Jewelry Making - Mixed Sizes and Colors ~5-9mm - 36 Inch Strand

Vintage Pearly Tan Marbled Pearl Lucite Drop Teardrop Beads 30mm (10)

190 Cylindrical Heishi Lapis Lazuli Beads: Genuine Lapis Stone Lapis Heishi Beads Heishi Shaped Beads 4mm Stone Beads (AFG-HSH-BLU-272)

10 - 38x8mm Long Teardrop Beads - Opaque Sea Glass Beads For Jewelry Making Jewelry Supplies - Frosted Beads - 8x38mm Opaque Lilac Purple

48 Beads Made w/ Recycled Cola Bottles - 11mm Powder Glass Beads - Eco-Friendly African Beads - Fair Trade - Made in Ghana (RCY-RND-BLU-718)

Vintage Ivory Lucite Rectangle Beads 26mm Matte Finish (12)

Vintage Lucite Marbled Tan Brown Caramel Saucer Donut Barrel Beads Chunky 23mm (4) Austrian

24" Strand || 6-28mm MATTE GLASS BEADS || Sea Glass Bead || 2mm Hole || Approximately 50 Beads || Assorted Colours, Shapes & Sizes

Vintage Silver Squared Oval Lucite Pillow Beads Textured Semi Matte 17mm (12)

10 Teardrops - Long Teardrops - Cultured Sea Glass Beads - Frosted Glass Beads - 8x38mm - Ocean Blue

Vintage Pearly Pearl Antique White Twisted Oval Lucite Beads 25mm (10)

60pcs Silky Metallic Green/Gold/Copper Lustred Glass MAPLE LEAF Bead MIX 11x13mm Czech Glass Beads Pressed Leaf Beads Perles Perlen Perle

Czech Glass Topaz Gold Etched Cathedral Beads 6mm (20)

48 Recycled Java Glass Beads - Sea Glass Beads - Pizzazz Mix - Indonesian Faceted Glass Beads - Jewelry Making Supplies (JVA-USU-MIX-706)

60pcs Silky Metallic Blue/Silver/Lilac Lustred Glass MAPLE LEAF Bead MIX 11x13mm Czech Glass Beads Pressed Leaf Beads Perles Perlen Perle

1 Strand Vintage Palmwood Barrel Spacer Beads Wood Grain 7mm (65 beads)

50 - 6x9mm Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making - Czech Glass Beads - Smooth Briolette - Matte Lavender Blue Mix with Gold Dust - 50 beads

Vintage Blue White Gold Washed Lucite Drop Teardrop Pendant Beads 40mm (6) Italy

5x7mm Teardrop Beads - Czech Glass Beads For Jewelry Making - Smooth Teardrops - Denim Blue Luster 5x7 Teardrops (50 Beads)

7x5mm Picasso Grey Flower Cups, Czech glass beads, Rustic finish small bell beads - 25Pc - 0501

10 Teardrops - Cultured Sea Glass Beads - Long Drill Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making - TEAL Frosted Beads - 38x8mm

Bird Beads - Gemstone Beads - Howlite Beads - Synthetic Turquoise Beads - 19x10mm - 15 inch Strand - (A525)

Vintage Lucite Marbled Cream Ivory Tan Drop Teardrop Beads Matte 29mm (6)

Vintage Long Pale Pink Lucite Drop Teardrop Beads 42mm (6) Chunky

Vintage India Glass Green Baroque Nugget Beads AB 13mm (10)

Vintage Opaque Green Lucite Spacer Beads 8mm (30)

Vintage Lucite Marbled Peach Orange Pink Blue Red White Round Beads 14mm (12)

12x16mm Flat Glass Teardrop Beads For Jewelry Making - Smooth Briolette - Czech Glass Beads - Cobalt Blue - 20 Beads

Rustic Indonesian Seed Beads For Jewelry Making - Large Seed Beads - Matte Seed Beads - Indonesian Glass - Boho Seed Beads - Sand - Choose

Vintage Marbled Amethyst White Beige Tan Oval Lucite Beads 24mm (8)

6x9mm Picasso dark blue czech glass teardrop beads, pressed drop top drilled beads 40pc - 3218

Vintage Lucite Etched Faceted Crystal Oval Pineapple AB Beads 15mm (12)

Vintage Deep Blue Lucite Round Beads 10mm (20)

Vintage Lucite Beads Etched Ivory Tan Brown Ornate Trunk Faux Wood Branch 28mm (10)

12 Vintage Lucite Beads Coral Ovals 17mm

Vintage Pearly Pink Acrylic Pendant Leaf Drop Beads 17mm (30)

Vintage Tortoise Tortoiseshell Round Lucite Beads 8mm (25)

Vintage Pearly Red Wine Gold Marbled Round Lucite Beads 14mm (12)

Sea Glass Rondelle - Cultured Recycled Sea Glass Beads - Jewelry Making Supply - Frosted Glass Bead - Light Aqua - 28pc - 12x5mm

Vintage Tan Beige Lucite Rectangle Beads 26mm Matte Finish (12)

Vintage Blue Lucite Donut Spacer Beads 15mm (16)

Vintage Plum Acrylic Spacer Disc Beads 8mm (30)

Vintage Lucite Rectangle Tube Beads Marbled Amethyst Purple White 13mm (30 beads)

Vintage Blue Marbled Oval Resin Beads 18mm (8 Beads)

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Beads