Home / Beads / Beader's Glossary

This is the place to find out what a Peridot or a Labradorite is. There are over 80 bead-related terms for you to browse.

Note: Some of the definitions and descriptions used here are copyright 1995 by Ornamental Resources, Incorporated. We are grateful for their permission to quote from their catalog to create this feature. This information may not be reproduced or distributed for financial gain or included in commercial collections or compilations without express permission from Ornamental Resources, Inc., P.O. Box 3010WW, Idaho Springs CO 80452. Visitors are permitted to print out this section for personal use only.

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Shimmering translucent glass that appears to consist of fibers of differing tones of the same color.

Rich, brilliant iris coating, usually over jet glass.

Beads made of segments of drawn tubes of glass of various thicknesses, typically slightly oval in shape due to tumbling and polishing, the shorter dimension being through the hole. Smaller than Pony beads, usually ranging in size from 8/0 to 24/0. The larger the number the smaller the bead.

Serpentine gets its name from the word 'serpent' because the mottled coloration of some forms of the stone resembles the skin of a snake. It has been used since ancient times to guard against disease and sorcery. It is produced both in a stone-like and a gem-like finish. Serpentine was considered a meditation stone, promoting inner peace and was carried in ancient Assyria to request the gods and goddesses to provide double blessings. Some of the ancient beliefs about serpentine included that it protected against poisonous creatures such as snakes and insects, balanced mood swings and encouraged the ability to solve conflicts by peaceful means. Serpentine is found in New Zealand, China, Afghanistan, South Africa, USA, and England.

Shell are marine life, a hard covering developed to protect an animal inside. Shells can be found in every color of the rainbow. Archeological evidence from southern Arizona dating as early as 10,000 years ago indicated that shells were used as containers and arrived by way of the trade routes originating in the Gulf of California. The ancient Aztecs paid tribute to the Emperor Montezuma with shells, and the Native Americans of the Eastern seaboard strung shells together to for "money" which was called wampum. Arab traders and tribes of West Africa also used strung shell disks for monetary exchange. As early as the 15th century B.C. purple dye was extracted from Mediterranean shells to create the royal color that has remained associated with high status. In the prehistoric Southwest, thousands of shell beads have been found as grave offerings in cremations and burials, indicating jewelry was essential in the afterlife along with tools, food and clothing.

Very old (200-300 years old) orange glass originally made in China.

Spiny oyster shell is found around the world. Spiny oyster shell was commonly used throughout Ancient Mexico, where many prehistoric artifacts still exist. An entire breastplate that covered the body from neck to waist was recovered at the ruins in Tula, capital of the Toltecs about 968 A.D. Spiny oyster was inlaid with turquoise, jade and pyrite into funerary masks as early as the 8th century A.D. and brought to the heights of craftsmanship, decorating such pieces as sacrificial knives of the Mixtecs during 900 to 1500 A.D. The prehistoric Indians of Arizona and New Mexico also had access to spiny oyster and incorporated it into their ornaments as early as 700 A.D. An interesting characteristic is the fact that spiny oyster shell's color corresponds to the depth of the water from which it is harvested. The deeper the water, the darker the color. In shallow waters, spiny oyster shell is white to a pale orange. In deeper waters, the shell is dark red-orange to purple. Purple spiny oyster shell is the most rare and valuable.

Sodalite is a blue mineral that is often mistaken for lapis lazuli. Colorless in its pure state, some specimens are fluorescent in ultraviolet light. Sodalite is said to increase one's confidence and to enhance creativity, and to have a balancing effect on one's emotions and mental state. It is claimed to alleviate fear and bring clarity of mind, strengthen the metabolism and lymphatic system and enhance self expression and communication.

Stainless steel -- a non-allergenic material when not plated. It is darker and grayer than sterling silver.