How thick are rectangle and half-moon beads?
Rectangles and half-moons from our Jaipur cutters are flat tabs, cut for pendants and bar-style necklaces. Thickness is generally uniform across the bead, which keeps weight reasonable on a strand. Half-moons can feel a touch chunkier at the center line because of the curved face. We sort strands so a set hangs level across both ears or along a neckline.
See how we define these shapes on our pages for rectangles and half moons. Those notes match what we receive on trays. We verify by caliper and by eye so your findings sit clear of vulnerable edges on softer stones. That habit saves remakes later.
Where are the drill holes on rectangles and half-moons?
Rectangles are either drilled lengthwise or top-drilled across the short edge, so you can hang a single bar or build a row. Half-moons are drilled along the flat edge to fan or to center-hang as a pendant. Drill height leaves a visible stone margin above and below the hole, but exact placement varies bead to bead.
We check setback visually and with calipers when matching findings. Measure first, decide second.
What inner-diameter jump ring will pass cleanly?
Pick the smallest ring that swings freely and shows stone all around the hole. The inner opening must exceed the hole's setback from the nearest edge, plus the metal width of the ring itself. Oval rings pass tight setbacks and help pendants face forward when oriented 90 degrees. Test first, never force.
- Round ring: clean look on mid-height holes.
- Oval ring: best when the hole sits close to the edge.
- Soldered or hard-closed ring: preferred for strength on pendants.
- Split ring: adds security on heavy pendants, but can look bulky near tight setbacks.
Which pinch bails fit without crowding?
Use a pinch bail whose post slides easily through the hole and whose shoulders sit off the bead's edge. Narrow-post bails suit tight setbacks and thinner tabs. Hinged or wider bails balance thicker tabs or larger bars. We favor smooth shoulders and gentle, even pressure.
- Narrow-post pinch bail: tight setback, slim bar rectangles.
- Standard pinch bail: mid-height holes, most half-moons.
- Hinged or wider bail: thicker tabs or center-drilled bars.
- V-bail or ice-tong style: when you need extra front-face control.
How do I measure drill height and bead thickness quickly?
Lay the bead flat. Mark the distance from the top edge to the hole center with calipers or a paper strip. That mark is the minimum inner opening your ring or bail must clear after factoring your finding's metal width. Dry-fit an unloaded ring or bail post, then write the number on the strand tag.
- If the ring touches stone, move up one size.
- If the bail rocks, step to a narrower post or an oval ring adapter.
Will my pendant face forward and hold up?
Orient the opening inside the chain pull and away from the stone. Oval or 90-degree rings keep flat shapes front-facing. Close securely and avoid sharp edges near softer stones like dendrite opal or lapis. For permanent joins, use a water-bath solder setup so the bead stays under water while you heat only the ring, then cool before testing.