Polymer clay beads sold on Ebay are predominately artisan made and are available in a variety of styles, shapes and colors.  Although you will find many of artists make polymer beads geared towards use in children's jewelry, don't overlook the many wonderful beads offered for adult jewelry and decor projects.  You'll find artisan made polymer clay beads available in styles very similar to glass lampwork beads yet with their own unique design properties.

About Polymer Clay
Polymer clay is a man-made material that remains pliable for long periods, but bakes or "cures" at a fairly low temperature.  It can be sculpted, carved, stamped, textured, sanded, buffed, and painted to create unique beads for jewelry or other artistic creations.  Polymer clay is extremely lightweight, similar to plastic, which offers a unique alternative for those who want a larger bead but not the weight that typically accompanies such sizes.  It can also withstand a bit more abuse than a glass or stone bead will endure without breakage.  Polymer clay is available to artists in a variety of colors yet most hand mix the clay to create a never ending array of colors.  Many artists make clay canes which may include geometric, floral, animal or character designs.  These canes can either be sliced thickly and used as a bead itself or thin slices may be applied to a shaped bead for surface decoration.  This technique is also known as millefiori - essentially the same technique that glass bead makers use.  Finished polymer beads are typically available in matte, buffed gloss or applied gloss finishes to suit your style. 

Designing with Polymer Clay Beads
Polymer clay beads work well with a variety of other beads.  Personally, I like to mix them with crystals, lampwork beads, smooth sterling, Turkish or Balinese (Bali) silver beads for jewelry creations.  Mixing polymer with heavier beads tends to give bracelets and necklaces just the right amount of weight.  Earring designers - this is the ultimate bead for sensitive ears  - dangles feel weightless!  Polymer might be just what you are looking for to add a beaded fringe to your lampshade too - mixed with seed beads and a bit of crystal, polymer clay beads provide a lightweight fringe with plenty of artistic style!

Pricing
As with any other artist made product, prices will vary widely on polymer clay beads.  Some of the more time consuming technical aspects of polymer clay that will affect prices include applied cane decor, raised surface decorations and buffed & polished beads (as apposed to applied polish).  Intricately detailed sculptural beads will also fetch higher prices.  They are tiny pieces of art so bid accordingly :)

Now that you know a little more about Polymer Clay Beads - buy some and try them for yourself!