What do bead sizes mean in millimeters?
Bead size is the outside diameter measured in millimeters. There are 25.4 mm in one inch, so millimeters convert cleanly to finished lengths. A 4 mm bead is roughly rice grain width to the eye, while 8 mm reads bolder on the strand. We list exact sizes on every strand so you can match your design plan.
How many 6 mm beads do you need for a bracelet?
For a 7.5 in bracelet, the beaded run is about 6 in and takes about 25 of 6 mm. A 7 in bracelet has about 5.5 in of beads and uses about 23 of 6 mm. Stretch bracelets use the full wrist length, so 7 in of 6 mm is about 29 beads.
How many beads do you need for an 18 inch necklace?
An 18 in necklace uses about 104 of 4 mm, about 70 of 6 mm, about 52 of 8 mm, or about 41 of 10 mm. A 16 in choker uses about 61 of 6 mm or about 46 of 8 mm. For a 16 in choker in 4 mm, plan about 100 beads.
If you prefer rondelles, see our shape notes below and browse current rondelles we stock. We also carry flat heishi for sleek stacks.
Which sizes suit which projects?
Here is how sizes read on the body and at the bench. We stock these ranges across many stones, including strands like Natural Ruby 2.5 to 3 mm and Emerald 4 to 5 mm.
- 2 to 3 mm: Dainty layering strands, spacers between focal beads, delicate wrap necklaces.
- 4 mm: Everyday necklaces, fine detail in mixed-size designs. Try Sapphire 3 to 4 mm.
- 6 mm: Go to size for both necklaces and bracelets with comfortable weight.
- 8 mm: Classic bracelet look and fuller short necklaces.
- Heishi 5x9 mm or 7x9 mm: Flat profile for stacking, e.g., Chocolate Moonstone 5x9 mm.
Do rondelles or heishi change how many fit?
Rondelles are flattened rounds, measured diameter by height, for example 4x3 mm. See details on our rondelles page. Heishi are thin discs measured by diameter, which sit tight for a continuous column of color, shown on our heishi page.
Standard Jaipur strands run 13 to 16 inches. A 15 to 16 inch strand of 6 mm rondelles has about 65 to 70 beads, of 8 mm about 48 to 52, and of 4 mm about 95 to 100. One 13 inch strand commonly covers a bracelet or choker, and two strands make a long necklace. Knotting between beads adds about 1 mm per knot.
How many strands should I buy?
Decide the finished length, subtract about 1.5 in for clasp and findings, then pick your bead size and use the counts above. Compare that to beads per strand to see if one or two strands will cover it. For example, an 18 in necklace of 6 mm uses about 70 beads, and a 15 to 16 inch 6 mm strand has about 65 to 70 beads.
Want to see strands in person before deciding size and count, or pick matching pairs. Check our show schedule. We also confirm stock and invoice by WhatsApp or email for online orders.
