Transparent
Colour is part of the glass. Transparent beads allow light through; the thread or backing can influence the finished appearance.
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Miyuki Seed Bead Durability Information
Choose colour with confidence.
Understand finish durability, compare the resistance ratings and choose beads with your project in mind.
Colour · Finish · Care
Compare the finishes
Miyuki’s current general finish guide uses a 1–4 resistance scale: lower numbers indicate greater resistance. “Fading” corresponds to discolouration; “Rubbing” corresponds to peeling or wear of the finish.
| Rating | Resistance | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Very high | Intrinsic glass colour without an added colour finish. |
| 2 | High | A finish with high resistance in this category. |
| 3 | Moderate | The finish may be affected by conditions and use. |
| 4 | Low | Extra care is needed. |
Opaque
Solid-looking glass colour that does not allow light through. This rating concerns colour resistance, not resistance to chipping.
Alabaster
A milky, translucent glass appearance. Check the exact colour record for any additional finish.
Silk
Fibrous-looking glass with a silky appearance. Good colour ratings do not remove its sensitivity to mechanical pressure.
Silver-lined
A reflective lining brightens the bead hole. The lining can change or yellow with conditions and use.
Luster
A surface lustre adds shine to the base glass. Handle gently to preserve the appearance.
Glazed Luster
A glazed lustre effect over the base glass. Check the particular colour when choosing for heavy wear.
Rainbow / AB
An iridescent surface effect adds shifting colours as the viewing angle changes.
Gold Luster
A gold-toned lustre with lower resistance to discolouration. Choose and care for it with the specific project in mind.
Ceylon
A soft, pearly surface appearance. This describes a bead finish, not a gemstone origin.
Colour-lined
Colour inside the bead hole changes the appearance through the glass. Dry-cleaning resistance is low in this general finish category.
Glass Enamel
An enamel-like surface finish. Check the colour-specific information for the item you are using.
Matte
A frosted glass surface. These ratings apply to the general plain matte category; additional dye or plating can change the result.
Outside-dyed
Colour is added at the surface. Friction and cleaning exposure can affect it; avoid assuming the underlying glass makes the dye permanent.
Metallic
A metallic-looking surface effect. Do not confuse this category with every metal-plated or galvanized bead.
Galvanized
A metal-like coating with lower rubbing and dry-cleaning resistance. Abrasion can affect the finish.
Plated, except copper
A plated surface in Miyuki’s non-copper category. The finish name alone does not establish allergy suitability or the full metal composition.
Copper-plated
Copper plating can change with wear and exposure. Rubbing resistance is lower in this category.
Duracoat®
A protective coating improves durability for the relevant colours. It is not a promise that the finish cannot wear.
Picasso
A mottled surface effect creates an earthy, varied appearance. Individual beads need not look identical.
Special coating
A general category for special surface effects. Always consult the exact colour number for the most useful guidance.
Baroque
An irregular, pearl-like surface effect. Dry-cleaning resistance is low in this general finish category.
No matches. Try a shorter name or reset the search.
Check your exact colour
- Find the manufacturer’s colour number on the package or product listing.
- Check Miyuki’s colour-specific durability information and confirm the bead type. Similar names do not always mean the same finish.
- Choose for the project’s exposure to friction, light, perspiration and cleaning. A decorative piece and a frequently worn bracelet face different demands.
Open Miyuki’s colour-specific durability information ↗
Why does an older chart use symbols?
Older Miyuki charts may show symbols instead of the current numbered general-finish scale. Do not convert every old symbol directly into a single number: the current guide distinguishes intrinsic glass colour from applied finishes. Use the latest record for the colour you are buying.
Help the finish last
Avoid unnecessary rubbing, harsh cleaners and prolonged exposure to conditions the manufacturer flags for that colour. Let personal-care products dry before wearing beadwork and store it away from surfaces that can scratch it.
A dry-cleaning resistance rating is not an instruction to dry-clean jewellery. For a gentle starting point, see cleaning beads and metals.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.