Czech beads offer wonderful colors and finishes, often two or more finishes can be combined. Here is a list, the best way to learn is to see and touch the beads!
AB - Rainbow (multi colors) on one side or to a particular area of the bead
BRONZE - Coated with a gold mixture and baked
IRIS - Metal Rainbow coating, usually on opaque beads
GREASY - Semi opaque with a shiny finish
FROST/GHOST- Matte finish with a sheen
OPAL - Pearl finish, sometimes a milky look with reflective quality
OPAQUE - Can not see through the bead
IRIDESCENT - Lustrous rainbow of colors
LUSTER - Transparent glaze
MAREA- Gold finish on part of the bead
MATTE - Non shiny or flat color, also called etched. Can also be AB
METALLIC - metal coated, bead appears reflective
PEACOCK - A rainbow metallic finish, usually with a blue green tint
PEARL - Opaque with a luster coat
SATIN - Soft dull or flat sheen
TRANSPARENT - Clear glass you can see through
VITRIAL - Silver finish on part of the bead
BRONZE - Coated with a gold mixture and baked
IRIS - Metal Rainbow coating, usually on opaque beads
GREASY - Semi opaque with a shiny finish
FROST/GHOST- Matte finish with a sheen
OPAL - Pearl finish, sometimes a milky look with reflective quality
OPAQUE - Can not see through the bead
IRIDESCENT - Lustrous rainbow of colors
LUSTER - Transparent glaze
MAREA- Gold finish on part of the bead
MATTE - Non shiny or flat color, also called etched. Can also be AB
METALLIC - metal coated, bead appears reflective
PEACOCK - A rainbow metallic finish, usually with a blue green tint
PEARL - Opaque with a luster coat
SATIN - Soft dull or flat sheen
TRANSPARENT - Clear glass you can see through
VITRIAL - Silver finish on part of the bead
Guide created: 11/10/06 (updated 09/11/09)
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