Here's a list of the most common finishes and treatments available for glass beads. A finish is a coating or surface texture applied to beads to give them a certain look. For purposes of this article, a treatment is anything else done to a bead during manufacture to intentionally affect its appearance.
I will be updating the list over time, so please submit your suggestions using the form at the bottom of my bio page.
• Alabaster - A dense, milky effect similar to vintage milk glass.
• Aurora Borealis or AB - A colorful, reflective, almost metallic, finish that is permanently applied to the surface of beads. Typically the AB coating is applied to some areas of a bead and not to others. Other names for AB are Iris, Iridescent, Rainbow, Oil Slick, and Scarabee.
• Ceylon - A pearl-like, lustrous finish typically applied over a pastel colored base.
• Color Lined - These typically are transparent glass beads that have a layer of opaque color applied to the inside surface of their drill holes. Also see Gilt Lined, Gold Lined, Silver Lined, and Copper Lined.
• Copper Lined - Beads with a thin layer of real copper, or copper foil, applied to the surfaces of their drill holes. Also see Color Lined, Gilt Lined, Gold Lined, and Silver Lined.
• Crackle - "Crackle beads" have internal cracks that sparkle with reflected light. They are created by heating the glass enough to cause it to crack, then re-heating the surface of the glass to create a smooth finish.
• Dichroic - Dichroic glass beads have a permanent coating that reflects light brilliantly. Held at certain angles, they almost appear to have electric light inside of them. They are made by applying a thin layer of metallic oxides to the glass under high heat.
• Etched - See Matte. "Etched" is also commonly used to describe beads with designs created by etching a matte finish onto some, but not all, areas of a bead's surface.
• Foil Lined - These glass beads contain one or more internal layers of thin metal foil. Fine silver and gold are common varieties.
• Frosted - See Matte.
• Frosted Rainbow - See Ghost.
• Galvanized - Galvanized beads are coated with a thin layer of metal (often zinc), which may be prone to flaking.
• Ghost - Ghost beads have a matte aurora borealis finish. Also called Frosted Rainbow. See Matte and Aurora Borealis.
• Gilt Lined - Beads with a layer of gold coloring along the surfaces of their drill holes. Also see Color Lined, Gold Lined, Silver Lined, and Copper Lined.
• Glazed - A colored finish that is fired in a kiln. Glaze is more commonly used on ceramics, but also can be used on glass.
• Gold Lined - Beads with a thin layer of real gold, or gold foil, applied to the surfaces of their drill holes. Also see Gilt Lined, Color Lined, Silver Lined, and Copper Lined.
• Iridescent - See Aurora Borealis.
• Iris - See Aurora Borealis. Iris beads may have more of a swirled finish than AB beads.
• Luster Coat - One or several opaque, highly-reflective colors applied to the surface of the bead.
• Marea - A gold-colored finish applied to a portion of a bead's surface.
• Metallic - A thin surface coating of metal gives these beads their look, and may be prone to scratching. The coating may be simply painted on, or it may be electroplated.
• Matte - Matte beads have a non-shiny surface texture. Other names for them are etched, satin-finish, and frosted.
• Oil Slick - See Aurora Borealis.
• Pearl Luster - These beads are finished to have extra depth-of-reflection, like a lustrous natural pearl.
• Rainbow - See Aurora Borealis.
• Satin - A soft, satin-like appearance with striations that reflect light.
• Scarabee - See Aurora Borealis.
• Silver Lined - Beads with a thin layer of fine silver, or fine silver foil, applied to the surfaces of their drill holes. Also see Color Lined, Gilt Lined, Gold Lined, and Copper Lined.
• Vitrial - A silver-colored coating applied to a portion of a bead's surface.
• White Heart - "White heart" beads have a thin layer of opaque white glass along their drill holes. The outer layer or layers of glass may be translucent or opaque. Sometimes written as one word (Whiteheart. or Whitehearts).
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Chris Franchetti Michaels is a writer and jewelry artisan specializing in beaded designs, wire work, and metal fabrication. She is the author of the books Teach Yourself Visually: Jewelry Making and Beading, Beading Quick Tips, and Wire Jewelry Quick Tips. Visit her website BeadJewelry.net for more jewelry-making help and inspiration.
