Ask the Experts Finishes Q&A

I recently completed a bracelet using various colors and two sizes of seed beads. After wearing the bracelet once, I noticed the finish on the semi-transparent, size 8 purple ones wore off over some of the exposed surfaces. I'm told this problem happens often with purple and red beads. Any suggestions?

- Sylvia

Colored glass is stable. Coatings or finishes applied to glass can wear off and fade in strong sunlight or if subjected to chemicals. Should the surface of the crystal or glass become scratched or etched, the color will appear faded. Always treat any crystal or glass, especially faceted glass, with care when cleaning and storing.

Solid color beads can be found throughout the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® product lines. In catalogs, they are denoted with this icon:

Solid color beads have the color added right from the beginning of the glass-making process and this color will not fade or rub off over time. This color durability chart states how different seed bead finishes from both Miyuki and Preciosa react to bright sun, contact with skin, perspiration, dry cleaning and more. Here is one specifically for Delica® seed beads. 

Be sure to use them to make decisions when purchasing seed beads, especially for high-friction uses such as bracelets, rings and anklets.

- Maura Buckner Jewelry-Making Expert