Ask the Experts Seed Beads Q&A

Hello, I am looking for non-tarnish seed beads to use in my jewelry work. It is so disappointing when the lovely bright metal seed beads go all dark and they spoil the look of my beaded pieces. Can you help please? Thank you.

- Brenda

Any bead or component coated or lined with silver, brass or copper will eventually tarnish. The best way to avoid tarnish it to store these products in a dry place, away from anything rubber, inside anti-tarnish bags or with anti-tarnish strips or squares.

Use gold plated seed beads as gold does not tarnish. Keep in mind that the plating may wear off with use. Seed beads that are colored in colors similar to metallics with a rainbow finish are an alternative that also will not tarnish.

Additional Resources:

• "Seed Bead Finishes and Treatment Durability"

- Patti