Shapes of Beads to Choose From

Smooth and Rounded Bead Shapes

The first image that pops into most people’s minds when they hear ‘beads’ is a perfectly round and smooth shape. While many wonderful round beads are available, many other smooth shapes are available.

1. Oval – an elongated round shape
2. Rondelle – looks like a slightly flattened round bead
3. Teardrop – smooth and shaped like a typical cartoon teardrop
4. Barrel – a cylindrical shaped bead
5. Lentil – a very flat disk shaped bead
6. Donut – similar to the lentil but with a much larger hole in the middle
7. Rice – shaped like a grain of rice: long and rounded but with tapered ends
8. Cylinder – like the barrel, but longer and thinner

Angular Bead Shapes

If you are looking for something more sharply defined and contemporary looking, angular beads fit the bill. The sharp edges usually add more shine to the bead, and make the finished product sparkle as the light gets reflected off the flat sides. There are many choices for flat sided angular beads.

1. Cube – six square sides to make a perfect cube shaped bead
2. Rectangle – similar to the cube, but longer
3. Faceted Round – a spherical bead with many flat faceted sides
4. Cone – a wide based bead which tapers at the top
5. Bi-Cone – looks like two cones stuck together at the bases
6. Saucer – a more flattened round bead with tapering ends
7. Briolette – shaped like a pear or teardrop with faceted surfaces

Irregular Bead Shapes

Less symmetrical shapes are available in beads. These types of beads give a very earthy and unique look to jewelry pieces. Most irregular beads are made from gemstones or glass.

1. Chips – small sized irregular shaped beads, can be flat shaped or rounded
2. Nuggets – larger  irregularly shaped beads