Beads Finish

Beads Finishes

Opaque: Light cannot pass through it.
Example for Miyuku: YH401 (opaque), YH455 (opaque AB)

Transparent : Light can pass through it. Often referred to as glass.
Example for Miyuku: YH260 (transparent AB)

Translucent : Allows partial transmission of light through it.

Matte : Dull appearance. Achieved by tumbling beads or dipping them in a glass etching solution.

Silver Lined: Mirror-like finish inside the bead which adds sparkle to it.
Example for Miyuku: YH1 (silverline) , YH1006 (silverline AB)

Color Lined: Usually seen in a two-color mix with an opaque color inside of a transparent bead.

Luster: Very shiny finish which covers the entire outer layer of the bead.

Ceylon: Translucent bead with a luster finish.
Example for Miyuku: YH511

Dyed: A process of surface color dying often seen in Japanese beads. Color will come off if not protected. Clear spray paint may be used. Do not dry clean as the dry cleaning chemical might react with the surface color.
Example for Miyuku: YH1340 (dyed silverline)

Metallic : Bead surface has a fired-on, metal-like finish which adds shine to it.
Example for Miyuku: YH454

AB (Aurora Borealis) A rainbow-like surface which has been fired onto the bead.