March 12 2009
by C.S.

Sterling Silver Beads

Sterling Silver Beads allow for great accents to Jewellery Making. They come in all shapes, sizes and forms, and from different countries. Sterling Silver Beads make great accompaniment for Semi-precious Stone Beads , freshwater pearls and Crystals, because of the contrast in lustre and texture. Sterling Silver Beads are an effective and inexpensive way to add accent to earrings.

Shiny Sterling Silver Beads

Some of the best shiny Sterling Silver Beads come from Italy. They are machine made, and are seamless. Italians are known for their laser cut Sterling Silver Beads. They reflect light like a funky disco ball. Satin Sterling Silver Beads add a feeling of luxury. However, satin Sterling Silver Beads are difficult to clean once they have tarnished. Most Italian silver is plated or coated for anti-tarnish. Chinese factories produce excellent Sterling Silver Beads, but usually they are not coated in lacquer and tarnish faster than Italian Sterling Silver Beads.

Antique Sterling Silver Beads

Some of the best antique Sterling Silver Beads come from Bali. This style of antique and intricate Sterling Silver Beads is famously known as Bali Beads. However, many similar Sterling Silver Beads are made in India, but some still call them Bali Beads, when they are in fact, not made in Bali at all. You can tell the difference between Sterling Silver Beads made in India from those made in Bali. Bali silver is generally better quality, and more intricate. Generations of Indonesians have been making Sterling Silver Beads in their homes. The craft has been passed from generation to generation. Indian Sterling Silver Beads have come on the market in the past decade as a cheaper alternative, however, their quality has been improving and they are gaining a larger share of the Sterling Silver Beads market.

Shiny Brushed Sterling Silver Beads

Indians have been making brushed hollow Sterling Silver Beads, which have become very popular with the North American Jewellery Making crowd. They are modern, and lend an update look to the venerableSterling Silver Bead. These Silver Beads work very well with Sterling Silver Chains and crystals and stones. They lend a clean look to balance colours and unusual shapes.

Hollow-form Sterling Silver Beads

Some of the most interesting hollow-form Sterling Silver Beads from Isreal. Stones and Findings carries a large variety of Isreali hollow Sterling Silver Beads, to see a sample: Sterling Silver Hollow Bead. Instead of casting from a rubber mould, that sterling silver beads are made in, they are lightly painted in a conductive paint, and put in the plating tank for hours. A heavy layer of Silver is formed on top of the wax shape. The wax is then melted and dripped out of a hole in the Sterling Silver Beads. What you're left with is just the sterling silver in the Sterling Silver Bead. It is a much more labour intensive process, and will cost more per gram then solid Sterling Silver Beads. However, the bead requires a lot less silver. Hollow Sterling Silver Beads are less expensive, thus cost effective for larger shapes.