Glass beads present an artistic spectrum of beauty with value. They come in vibrant colors, shape and finishes, and add a magical touch to the product. There are different types of glass beads like Czech glass beads, handmade dichroic glass, Millefiori, lamp work beads and even bumpy glass beads. They are available in different colors and sizes which artisans pick up to complete their canvas.

These beads are sometimes given different types of fancy finishes like Aurora Borealis or druk glass. Where druk glass beads are perfectly rounded and optically polished, multi-colored lamp work bead strands are in shapes ranging from fishes to twisted ovals. Luminous dichroic glass is another bead type which comes in a multitude of shapes. Then there are crackle glass beads. Czech glass beads with a pearl finish are great values because of the high quality and tremendous variety in colors, sizes and shapes.

Since glass becomes molten when heated to a certain temperature, glass artists can create any shape as well as layers, while holding the glass over a flame. A bead with raised decorations, bumps, dots, sparkly feathering, with foil inside or other applied decoration, is most likely a lamp-work bead. Many glass artists produce unbelievably complicated beautiful collectors' items in glass. The rainbow of colors and textures of beads available today gives infinite design ideas. The number of beads per strand and strands per hank depends on the size and weight of the beads.

There are glass pearls, art glass beads and cane glass beads. You can find glass pearls in all shapes. Glass beads are expensive compared to other beads but enhance the beauty of the product. They can also be added with embroidery pattern or used with sequins as well. A transparent glass bead has the tendency to reflect the base color and can be beautifully used with any color.