What’s the Difference between Gold Filled Beads & Gold Plated Beads

What’s the Difference between Gold Filled Beads & Gold Plated Beads

Apr 15, 2021 | Beads, GOLD FILLED BEADS, Jewelry Making, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES

Shopping for gold beads and findings can be frustrating, especially for those new to jewelry making. How can you tell quality, lasting beads from those that will quickly tarnish and wear? “Gold jewelry” can mean any number of things. In this segment, we’ll break down the differences so you can be sure you’re getting what you pay for.

Why There’s a Big Difference in Cost Between Gold Jewelry

The term “gold” can mean a lot of things when you’re shopping for jewelry making supplies. Gold can be used to describe the color of beads as well as the composition. That’s why the makeup of gold beads should always be disclosed. Without this information, you have no idea what you’re getting.

Types of Gold Beads

  • Solid Gold Beads
    You’d think 22 or 24 kt solid gold beads would be ideal. But despite the high value of solid gold beads, they may not be the best choice for lasting jewelry due to the softness of the metal. Other options offer a more practical alternative for everyday wear.
  • Gold-filled Beads
    Gold-filled beads are a high-quality and lasting alternative to solid gold. They hold 100 times more gold than plated beads, with a gold alloy content of 5%, compared to 0.5% for plated beads. Using gold-filled beads, you can create today’s hottest jewelry trends without stressing about the cost. Far more affordable yet still valuable, gold-filled beads won’t tarnish or turn colors, or cause skin reactions in most people. Gold-filled beads are created by bonding a thick layer of 12 or 14 kt gold to another metal such as copper or brass or base metal. This layer is so thick most jewelry can be worn daily for up to 30 years without fading. Gold-filled jewelry is typically stamped with its gold content alongside  the claps. (Beads are not stamped) Buying from Crystal Findings as shown in the website or in catalog, you do get Gold-Filled beads, findings or ready to wear gold-filled beaded jewelry.
  • Gold Plated Beads
    Gold plated beads are inexpensively made by depositing a very thin layer of gold over less precious metals like steel ot similar economical metal alloys beads or findings. At 1/1000 to 3/1000 of an inch, this layer does not last long, leading gold-plated jewelry to fade and tarnish quickly. Skin reactions and staining can occur with some poorly constructed beads. Gold plated jewelry will not have a quality mark, only a brand name stamp, if any.

Which Type of Beads are Right for My Jewelry Making Project?

Crystal Findings offers an amazing selection of premium gold-filled beads and findings, including:

Create luxurious, lasting jewelry without breaking the bank. Shop the wide selection of gold-filled beads at Crystal Findings. Contact us to place an order or to learn more about our wide selection of premium wholesale jewelry-making supplies today.

Sterling Silver Beads to Make Bracelets Available at Crystal Findings

Sterling Silver Beads to Make Bracelets Available at Crystal Findings

Apr 1, 2021 | JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES, Sterling Silver Beads

These shimmery charm bracelets are impossibly easy and inexpensive to make. They are the perfect gift for any occasion, accenting a variety of clothing styles from everyday casual to evening and formal wear. Keep your jewelry design simple and classic with our sterling silver beads and findings, or dress them up with our stunning Swarovski crystal pendants. Prefer a warmer tone? Don’t be afraid to go for the gold!

How to Make a Shimmery Charm Bracelet

  • Beads and beading tools you’ll need:

    • 4 to 8 mm stardust beads
    • Silver crimp beads
    • Seed or spacer beads
    • Jump rings
    • Lobster clasps
    • Charms
    • 7 strand cable wire or Soft Flex .019  or .024 49 strand wire.
    • 2 x smasher pliers
    • Cutters

  • Beaded bracelet assembly instructions:

  1. Place a crimp bead on one end of the beading wire, using your smasher pliers to crush and hold it in place.
  2. Thread the charm on, followed by 11 stardust beads to fill half the bracelet. Follow with 3 seed or spacer beads on the end.
  3. Place a crimp bead on that end of the wire.
  4. Take your jump ring with one pair of pliers, with the split facing up in the middle. Use the other pliers to hold the opposite side. Open, pulling one side of the jump ring toward you while pushing the other away.
  5. Take the loop end of the lobster clasp, threading on the ring. Close it in the reverse method of opening, taking care there is no overlap.
  6. For the other half of the bracelet, place another crimp bead on the wire following the seed/spacer beads.
  7. Take the clasp and jump ring you constructed, feed the wire through the jump ring, and then bend it back toward and through the crimp bead, feeding the wire through twice.
  8. Pull the crimp bead as close as you can to the jump ring, then use flat nose pliers to push the crimp bead shut.
  9. Now slide all your beads toward that end, tucking the wire’s tail end to hide it within the beads.
  10. Go to the other side of the wire. Use side cutters to remove the crimp bead.
  11. String the next 11 stardust beads onto the wire, followed by 3 seed/spacer beads and another crimp bead, close to seed/spacer beads.
  12. Take the jump ring and hook it into the clasp. Push the wire through the jump ring. Make sure the beads fit snugly together. Next, bend the wire back on itself, pushing it through the crimp and seed/spacer beads as you did with the other side.
  13. Hold the main wire steady with a pair of pliers; use the other pair to pull the wire back through the seed beads and first stardust bead. Complete the fit by hand for a snug finish.
  14. Cut the excess wire, tucking it into the beads.
  15. Squeeze the crimp bead carefully into place, taking care to avoid crushing the seed beads.

Get the look for less. Find premium beads at affordable wholesale prices. Shop the wide selection of beading supplies at Crystal Findings today.