Czech seed beads are a favorite bead of many seed beaders. These beautiful glass seed beads come in a wide range of colors and can add a wonderful organic or ethnic feel to your beadwork.
1. What are they?
Czech seed beads are tiny glass beads that are made in the Czech Republic.2. Who are the manufacturers of these beads?
The primary manufacturer of Czech seed beads is Preciosa Ornela (formerly Jablonex). They create the most consistent and uniformly shaped Czech seed beads and are the gold standard for Czech seed beads.3. What do they look like?
Czech seed beads have perfectly round edges and resemble donuts. Their holes are somewhat smaller than other types of seed beads which allows for fewer thread passes.4. In what sizes are they available?
Czech seed beads are available in 15/0, 14/0, 11/0, 10/0, 8/0, 6/0, and 5/0.5. What colors are available?
Czech seed beads come in a wide range of colors. There are many beautiful transparent, rainbow (AB), and silver lined colors available. Metallic colors and copper-lined Czech beads are very popular for beadweaving and jewelry making projects. Czech seed beads also come in a beautiful variety of striped colors.6. How are they sold?
Most Czech seed beads are available in hanks consisting of approximately 40 grams of beads. The number of beads in a hank will vary depending on the color, finish, and size of bead.7. Where are they sold?
Czech seed beads are widely available on the internet and in bead shops. Check your local bead shops, or try some of the recommended internet sources below.8. What stitches work best with Czech seed beads?
Since the holes in Czech seed beads are relatively small, they work best with stitches where only a single pass of thread is needed. Try them with brick stitch and African Helix, or use them as the accent beads in a spiral rope.9. What else can I use them for?
Czech seed beads are great as spacer beads in your jewelry stringing projects. They also work very well as fringe and accent beads.10. How much do they cost?
Czech seed beads are relatively inexpensive, averaging about $3 for a hank of 40 grams. Transparent and opaque colors may be less. Be prepared to pay more for metallic and precious-metal plated seed beads, anywhere up to $20 per hank of 40 grams.
