Which is Better for Jewelry Making?
When it comes to beads for jewelry making, two of the most popular options are clay beads and glass beads. Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages when used in jewelry design. In this article, we'll compare clay beads vs glass beads to help you determine which is better suited for your jewelry making needs.
Overview of Polymer Clay Beads
Polymer clay beads are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with colorants and plasticizers. This type of modeling clay can be shaped when raw then cooked or cured in a conventional or toaster oven to harden it into a durable, lightweight plastic.
Polymer clay is available in a wide variety of colors that can be blended together to create custom hues. It's a versatile material that can be sculpted into any shape imaginable. Common polymer clay bead shapes include round, teardrop, cube, rectangle, and oval. The beads can also be textured by imprinting designs into the raw clay.
Once cured, polymer clay beads can be sanded, drilled, painted, and finished with glossy sealants. Holes are made with a drill or special clay piercing tools. Findings like eye pins, head pins, and clasps are used to turn the cured beads into finished jewelry components.
Benefits of polymer clay beads
- Extremely versatile - can sculpt any shape in any color
- Lightweight and durable once cured
- Texture can be added for visual interest
- Low cost and readily available
Drawbacks of polymer clay beads
- Requires baking/curing step
- Limited size options - difficult to make large beads
- Can be brittle if over-baked
Overview of Glass Beads
Glass beads are exactly what the name implies - beads made from glass. While some basic glass bead shapes can be made by hobbyists with a torch, most glass beads are mass produced.
The glass used for beads is specially formulated to have colors and properties ideal for jewelry-making. Transparent, opaque, iridescent, and lampwork glass beads come in every color of the rainbow. Common shapes include rounds, tubes, teardrops, and hexagons. Bead holes are molded into the glass while it's viscous.
Glass beads are strong, durable, and lightweight. They have a beautiful high-shine finish that needs no additional treatment besides stringing or gluing them together. However, mass produced glass beads offer less opportunity for customization than polymer clay.
Benefits of glass beads
- Strong, durable, and lightweight
- Wide range of colors and finishes
- No baking or curing required
- Consistent sizing and holes
Drawbacks of glass beads
- Less opportunity for custom shapes
- Can be slippery for knotting
- More limited size options
- Higher cost for specialty beads
Clay Beads vs Glass Beads for Jewelry Making
So how do clay beads vs glass beads compare when used in actual jewelry pieces? Here are some key considerations when selecting bead material for your designs.
Customization
Polymer clay clearly wins when you need total customization options. You can sculpt clay beads into any shape in any size. Add texture, carve patterns, and create beads perfectly suited for your design vision. Glass beads offer some variety but lack the limitless options of modeling clay.
Durability
Both clay and glass make very durable beads ideal for jewelry. Glass is naturally strong while properly cured clay has excellent hardness. For heavy wear pieces subject to knocks, glass may have a slight edge. But both can stand up well to regular wear when used in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Cost
Basic polymer clays are widely available at craft stores for just a few dollars per block. At this low price point, you can sculpt unlimited custom beads on a budget. Glass beads run the gamut from very inexpensive seed beads to costly lampwork art beads. For large quantities of simple beads, glass may offer more value but provides less custom options.
Time Investment
Sculpting and curing polymer clay beads is more time consuming than simply stringing ready-made glass beads. But the payoff is completely unique components that add artisan value to your jewelry. If time is limited, glass may make more sense for quick jewelry projects.
Texture
Clay's sculpt ability allows for limitless textural options - from smooth to highly bumpy. Glass offers some textured looks like frosted and hammered but cannot match the intricate textures achievable with clay. If visual interest is paramount, clay has a clear advantage.
Color Palette
Both are available in endless colors, finishes, and effects. Polymer clay allows you to blend and mix custom hues. But glass beads come in every color imaginable from all over the world. For versatility in finishes and colors, it's a draw between the two materials.
Final Thoughts
So should you choose clay beads vs glass beads for your next jewelry project? Consider how important custom shapes, patterns, and textures are for the intended design. If you're willing to invest time in sculpting for one-of-a-kind components, polymer clay is the clear winner. But if you value convenience and want an unlimited spectrum of colors and finishes, glass beads may be the better choice.
Both beads have their advantages. Evaluate the characteristics of each against your project needs. With smart planning, high quality jewelry can be created with either material. Mixing clay and glass together can give you the best of both worlds. Allow the jewelry itself to dictate the best bead material for your unique designs.