General Questions:

Q: What do you charge for shipping?
A: Shipping to US destinations is included in the price of the beads. Please contact us for shipping costs to destinations outside the US. Additional shipping for non-US orders can be added here.

Q: How soon are items shipped?
A: All orders will be shipped within five (5) business days from the date ordered. We try to get them out as soon as possible.

Q: What if I need my shipment rushed or insured?
A: Insurance on any package is optional and will be an additional charge, as are rush shipments. Please contact us in advance if your shipment needs special handling. Additional shipping amounts can be added here.

Q: Do you sell items wholesale?
A: Wholesale beaded jewelry catalogs available upon request with proof of resale number. Please contact us to request your catalog.

Miyuki Shoji Seed Beads Questions:

Q: What are they made of?
A: Miyuki Shoji seed beads are made of raw materials and glass; most are made with recycled glass.

Q: Where are they manufactured?
A: These beads are manufactured in the Miyuki factory in Japan.

Q: How are they sold?
A: We sell our seed beads in six inch round, clear plastic tubes.

Q: How many do you get in a tube?
A: There are approx. 3400 beads per tube.

Q: What do you use them for?
A: They are a great spacer or filler when stringing larger beads and they are most commonly used for more intricate beadwork such as bead weaving and sewing.

Q: What does size 11/0 mean?
A: This is a rough estimate of how many beads will fit per inch. Thus, 11/0 roughly means there are 11 beads per inch.

Swarovski Austrian Crystal

Q: What are they made of?
A: These beads are made of genuine crystal and do contain lead.

Q: What is a bi-cone?
A: A bi-cone describes the shape of the bead which also known as a diamond shape.

Q: Where are they made?
A: These beads and any other Swarovski component are made in Austria.

Q: What are they used for?
A: They are most commonly used in fine jewelry pieces.

Q: How are they sold?
A: They are sold in one gross package, 144 pieces and also in half gross packages, 72 pieces.

Q: What is AB?
A: AB (AURORA BOREALIS) This finish is a rainbow effect on one side of the bead.

Q: What is 2XAB?
A: Two times Aurora Borealis. This finish is a rainbow effect coated on the bead two times.

Q: What is a Satin Finish?
A : This finish is a soft effect on the outside surface of the bead.

Explanation of Bead Finishes

Transparent Beads: These beads are clear and tinted, and you are able to see through them. Light is visible through these beads.

AB (Aurora Borealis): This finish is a rainbow effect on one side of the bead.

OPAQUE BEADS These beads are a solid color.

Silver-lined Beads: These beads have a shiny silver colored-lining inside a transparent bead.

Color-lined Beads: These beads have a color lining on the inside of a transparent bead. The colors will vary and the bead could also include special color effects on the outside of the bead such as an AB finish.

Matte or Frosted Beads: These beads have an etched look to them. They have no shine.

Semi-matte Beads: These beads have a mixed glossy/matte finish to them. They are brighter than regular matte finish beads.

Metallic and Metallic Iris Beads: These beads have a metallized finish. An Iris finish is a multicolor effect, which creates a rainbow type effect

Luster Finish Beads: These beads have an iridescent shine on the outside of the entire bead.

Galvanized Beads: These beads have a coated finished applied to the glass through a galvanization process.

Ceylon Beads: These beads have a pearl-like finish.

Alabaster Silver-lined Dyed Beads: These beads started off as a silver-lined translucent bead, and then they are dyed to attain a certain color.

Hex-cut or 2-cute Beads: These beads have 6 faceted sides to them.

NOTE: The finishes and colors on beads that have been metallized, galvanized, or dyed may rub off or bleed with excessive handling.