Welcome to our very first Bead of the Week! Each week we’ll be spotlighting one bead from our range — sharing what makes it special, what you can make with it, and why we think it deserves a place in your bead box. This week, we’re kicking things off with a real showstopper.
Meet the AB White Faceted Glass Bead.
If you’ve never worked with an AB (Aurora Borealis) finish before, prepare to fall a little bit in love. The AB coating adds a rainbow iridescent shimmer to the surface of the bead — so what starts as a crisp, bright white catches the light and throws off flashes of pink, blue, green and gold depending on the angle. It’s subtle enough to be elegant, and showy enough to get noticed. Think of the effect as halfway between a diamond and a soap bubble — that kind of delicate, colour-shifting magic.
And these particular beads? We’re really proud of the quality. For £2.50 a string, you’re getting a 38cm strand of beautifully cut rondelle-shaped glass with a consistent finish throughout. We don’t stock anything we wouldn’t use ourselves, and these passed the test easily.
Three sizes to suit every project
These come in three sizes so you can pick the right scale for your design:
- 3x4mm (approx. 133 beads) — ideal for delicate, fine jewellery or seed-bead-style layering
- 4x6mm (approx. 100 beads) — the sweet spot for most jewellery projects
- 6x8mm (approx. 66 beads) — a chunkier statement bead, great as a feature or focal
What can you make with them?
These beads are incredibly versatile, but three styles really stand out:
Bridal & wedding jewellery — The white-with-shimmer combination is a natural fit for bridal pieces. Whether you’re making your own wedding jewellery or crafting gifts for bridesmaids, these beads give you that sought-after “something sparkly” without the price tag of crystal. They pair beautifully with silver findings and freshwater pearls.
Stretch cord bracelets — The 0.7–0.9mm hole size works perfectly with standard elastic cord, making these a brilliant choice for stretch bracelets. Use a single size for a clean uniform look, or mix sizes for a more organic, stacked feel.
Boho & layered necklaces — The iridescent finish means these play well with other beads without clashing. Layer them with semi-precious stones, wooden beads or charms for a relaxed, eclectic look that still has a polished edge.
Our verdict
Exceptional quality, three versatile sizes, and that gorgeous AB shimmer — all for £2.50 a string. These are the kind of beads you order once and immediately reorder. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, AB White Faceted Glass Beads are a brilliant staple to have on hand.
👉 Shop AB White Faceted Glass Beads here
We’d love to see what you make! Tag us on Instagram @abacusbeadsni with your finished pieces.
