Ceramic & Porcelain

Porcelain Beads:

Porcelain beads are crafted from a type of fine-grained, white clay called porcelain clay. This clay is known for its smooth and delicate texture, making it an ideal material for creating intricate and finely detailed beads. Porcelain beads are often used in jewellery making, as well as for decorative purposes such as pottery and figurines.

Characteristics of Porcelain Beads:

Porcelain beads have a refined and elegant appearance, often featuring delicate designs and intricate patterns. They typically start out white or off-white, and are usually customised and finished through painting, glazing, or other surface treatments.

While porcelain beads are delicate-looking, they are fired at high temperatures, which gives them strength and durability. They may be glazed, painted, or decorated with underglazes before firing to achieve a variety of colours and finishes.

Ceramic Beads:

Ceramic beads are made from various types of clay that are fired at high temperatures to create hardened, durable objects. Ceramic beads can be crafted from earthenware, stoneware, or terracotta clays, each of which offers unique properties and characteristics.

Characteristics of Ceramic Beads:

Ceramic beads can vary widely in appearance and texture depending on the type of clay used and the firing techniques applied. They can range from smooth and polished to rustic and textured, depending on the desired look.

Ceramic beads can be found in a wide range of colours, including natural earth tones and vibrant hues achieved through glazing. They are usually customised through glazing, painting, carving, and other surface treatments.

Stoneware vs. Earthenware: Stoneware beads are fired at higher temperatures and tend to be more durable and less porous than earthenware beads, making them suitable for jewellery that may experience more wear.

Both porcelain and ceramic beads offer unique aesthetic qualities and are well-suited for various crafting projects. When using these beads in jewellery making, it’s important to consider their weight, size, and compatibility with other materials like metal findings, cords, and threads. Additionally, due to their handmade nature, individual beads may vary slightly in size, shape, and colour, adding to the charm of the finished piece.