Ovals
An elongated round, smooth or faceted, drilled along the long axis.
- Measured as
- Width by length, e.g. 8x10mm
- Usually drilled
- Center-drilled lengthwise
- Used for
- Necklaces, bracelets, statement strands
Ovals in stock
Other shapes
From the blog
All posts
Stone guidesWhy Ethiopian Welo opal is cheaper than Australian opal
Ethiopian Welo opal, found in 2008 in Ethiopia's Wollo province, is abundant and cut in high volume, so bead strands with real play-of-color usually cost far less than Australian material. White body opal looks opaque to milky; crystal body is transparent. Judge fire by flashes of green, orange and blue from several angles across multiple beads.
Stone guidesChoose chrome diopside strands by size, shape, and what to avoid
Pick 3 mm faceted rondelles for the brightest chrome green. 4 mm can work if the beads are shallow and well cut; 5 mm risks going near black. Choose shallow profiles like small rondelles or thin pears to keep color rich. In 3 to 5 mm, avoid tall chunky cuts, uneven drilling, and strands that look yellowish like peridot or show bubbles like glass.
Stone guidesHow to grade translucency in blue and lavender chalcedony beads
Use two quick bench tests. Backlight a single bead with a phone flashlight and sort strands into High, Medium or Low glow by how much light blooms through the body. Then place one bead over printed text; if letters stay readable through the center, it's higher translucency. Choose smooth ovals, pears and teardrops to maximize that inner glow.