The Global Beads Blog

These are examples of my designs and the different options for creating a piece of jewelry                    Beads can be knotted, such as the traditional pearl necklace Grandma wore, Princess Di, and of course, one of my favorites… Jackie O. I also link beads in a rosary […]

American Wire Gauge Conversion Chart Gauge Inches Millimeters 0 0.325 8.26 2 0.257 6.54 4 0.204 5.19 6 0.162 4.12 8 0.128 3.26 10 0.102 2.59 12 0.081 2.05 14 0.064 1.63 16 0.051 1.29 18 0.040 1.02 20 0.036 0.812 Soft-Flex Wire 22 0.025 0.723 24 0.020 0.573 26 0.016 0.405 28 0.013 0.321 […]

There’s a lot of options for your beading thread! We put together this infographic to help you better understand the options and sizes available for each thread. (Click the image to view it full size). Be sure to Pin this and save it for the next time you need thread!

Use this handy guide in conjunction with our Thread Reference Guide. The larger the number, the smaller the bead. Size 6/0 has a large color range and the hole will accommodate 1mm cord Size 8/0 has a large is a good size for visibility when learning new patters .5mm hole Size 11/0 is has a […]

Size in Millimeters SS Size Size in Millimeters SS Size 1.5 – 1.7 mm 4 SS 4.6 – 4.8 mm 20 SS 1.7 – 1.9 mm 5 SS 4.9 – 5.1 mm 22 SS 1.9 – 2.1 mm 6 SS 5.3 – 5.4 mm 24 SS 2.1 – 2.3 mm 7 SS 5.6 – 5.7 […]

Global Beads recently launched a new Pinterest page, an online pin board to organize and collect all the things we love. Check out our new page to see the products and items that inspire us.   Here are some of the boards you’ll see on Pinterest: Beading on a Loom – Everything you want to […]

A student at one of our Braided Bracelet classes recently posted about her experience on the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce website. We’ve posted an excerpt of her review. Read the teaser and then visit the website to read the entire review. I went to a jewelry making class this week at Global Beads. It […]

This week’s Pick of the Week is Ricks Beading Loom, a new product at Global Beads, Inc. It’s a new concept in looming, and a significant one at that! Unlike traditional looms, which leave you with multiple warp threads to weave into your design, Ricks Beading Loom leaves you with only 2 warp threads at the […]

BeadSmith and Gudebrod Brands Size 00 0 A B C D E F FF FFF Diameter inches (mm) .005 (.0127) .006 (.152) .007 (.178) .008 (.203) .0108 (.274) .012 (.305) .0128 (.325) .0137 (.348) .015 (.381) .0165 (.419) 1/2 ounce spool length (yds) 700 600 425 390 310 260 200 140 115 92 S-Lon Nylon […]

Gold-Filled Gold-filled jewelry, also known as “rolled gold” or “rolled gold plate” is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal such as brass. Some high quality gold-filled pieces have the same appearance as 14 karat (58%) gold. In the USA the quality of gold filled is defined […]

The use of coins or ‘umla’ is widespread throughout the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Issued by an official mint long before the introduction of silver hallmarks, coins were an indication of an established and guaranteed silver content.                                 Coins and coral beads on a Moroccan temple ornament Two coins that both possess a high […]

Silver jewelry is vulnerable and can get damaged easily. In contact with air, silver tarnishes quickly. It this therefore advisable to handle silver items with care. Here you will find some tips and guidance for the most common situations, although this is by no means exhaustive. Jewelry in Cairo. It is exposed to air and […]