Gold Beads & Spacers

Gold Filled is 14kt Gold with a Brass centre. Due to the thickness of the gold, the brass will never be exposed. Vermeil on the other hand, is made of sterling silver with a 14kt gold plating, making them fully precious metal.

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Vermeil and gold-filled beads are popular choices for jewelry making, offering a more affordable alternative to solid gold while still providing a premium luxurious and attractive appearance. Here re the differences between vermeil and gold-filled beads:

  • Vermeil Beads: Vermeil is a specific type of gold plating that consists of a thick layer of gold (typically 14-24 karat) plated over sterling silver. The base metal of vermeil beads is sterling silver, which provides strength and durability. The gold layer adds a beautiful and lustrous finish to the beads, giving them the appearance of solid gold. Vermeil beads are commonly used in jewelry making for their elegant look and more affordable price compared to solid gold.
  • Gold-Filled Beads: Gold-filled beads are made by bonding a thick layer of gold (usually 12-14 karat) to a base metal core, typically brass. The gold layer is mechanically bonded to the core, creating a durable and long-lasting product. Gold-filled beads have a higher gold content compared to gold-plated beads, making them more valuable and resistant to tarnish. They offer the look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the cost.
  • Real Gold Beads: Considering real gold usually trades for well over $100 per gram for the metal itself, real solid gold beads are very expensive. Often retailing for several hundred dollars per bead to over $1000 per bead. For this reason, we leave that market to the high end jewelers. Our options above allow for the creation of jewellery that looks and wears like high street artisan jewellery at a fraction of the cost.
Both vermeil and gold-filled beads are excellent choices for jewelry making, providing the beauty and elegance of gold without the hefty price tag. They can be incorporated into various designs, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. When using these beads, it’s important to handle them with care to preserve their finish and ensure their longevity.

Do gold beads tarnish?

The simple answer is that most metals will eventually tarnish to some degree. Will gold filled beads tarnish like gold plated base metals do? Definitely not! Pure gold is highly resistant to tarnish, however, in the case of gold-plated or gold-filled beads, the underlying base metal can potentially tarnish over an extended period of time, but can be polished to some degree with silver and gold polish cloths. The gold layer on gold-plated beads is relatively thin and may wear off or fade with repeated use, exposing the base metal beneath, which could result in tarnishing. Gold-filled beads have a thicker layer of gold, providing more resistance to tarnishing compared to gold-plated beads.

To minimise tarnishing and maintain the appearance of gold beads, it is recommended to handle them with care, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, moisture, and excessive friction. When not in use, store your gold beads in a clean, dry place, preferably in airtight containers or jewellery pouches to protect them from environmental factors. Additionally, periodic cleaning and gentle polishing can help remove any dirt or oils that may accumulate on the surface, keeping your gold beads looking shiny and lustrous.

Using gold beads for jewellery making

Gold beads are a very popular choice for jewellery making due to their timeless elegance and luxurious appeal. They add a touch of sophistication and richness to pretty much any design. Gold beads come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, offering versatility in creating different styles and looks.

Whether you’re looking for gold beads for necklaces, or gold beads for bracelets, earrings, or even anklets, our gold beads will open up your creative possibilities. They can be incorporated as spacers between gemstone beads, strung together to create delicate chains, or used as focal points in bead weaving projects. Gold beads can also be combined with other materials such as pearls, crystals, or semi-precious stones to add contrast and enhance the overall aesthetic of your jewellery.

When working with gold beads, it’s essential to choose high-quality beads that are well-crafted and durable. Additionally, pay attention to the size, shape, and texture of the beads to ensure they align with your design vision. Using gold beads to make bracelets on stretchy elastic is also a good idea.

Whether you’re creating classic, minimalist pieces or bold, statement jewelry, incorporating gold beads can elevate your designs and add a touch of luxury. Their versatility and enduring beauty make them a popular choice among jewelry makers, enabling you to craft stunning and timeless pieces that will be cherished for years to come.

Where to buy gold beads in Australia

Whether you’re in Melbourne or Perth, or anywhere else in Australia, Beads N Crystals have you covered with retail and wholesale purchasing options on gold beads for jewellery making. If you’re in Queensland looking for a bead company with the best selection, drop in to our Brisbane shopfront. Otherwise you can buy online with confidence from our online store with decades experience in premium quality jewellery making beads.

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