Ask the Experts Charlottes Q&A

Some instructions call for ''charlotte beads''... What are they, what size are they, and if not available, can another be substituted? I notice Fire Mountain does not have them.

- Joseph

Charlotte beads are seed beads that have one flat surface cut into them. The flat surface reflects light better than the curved surface providing a bit of extra sparkle to the piece of jewelry. Charlottes were originally produced in size 13/0 which is a relatively small size bead so eventually the same cut was produced in sizes 15/0, 11/0, 8/0 and 6/0.

Fire Mountain Gems does not carry Charlottes at the time of this writing, however you can substitute round seed beads in all of the sizes, or even try the hex 2-cut 11/0 seed beads to achieve a similar effect.