Bead Size Guide: What Each Size Is Best For in Jewellery Making

Your Complete Bead Size Guide: 4mm to 10mm and Beyond

When it comes to jewellery making, the size of your beads can completely transform your design. A few millimetres might not sound like much, but in the world of beads, it can mean the difference between a delicate, understated bracelet and a bold, eye-catching necklace.

Whether you’re new to jewellery making or just looking to refine your designs, understanding bead sizes will help you choose the right look and feel for every project. Here’s a guide to the most popular round bead sizes (from dainty 4mm to statement 10mm and what each is best suited for).

When it comes to bead sizes, there are so many choices!

4mm Round Beads – Fine Detail and Layering

Best for: Dainty bracelets, chokers, beaded embroidery, and intricate earring designs.

4mm beads are perfect when you want a light, delicate look. They work beautifully in minimalist designs or as part of multi-strand pieces where larger beads might feel too heavy.

Because of their small size, they’re often used as spacer beads between larger stones, adding rhythm and texture to a design. They’re also ideal for intricate beading patterns and embroidery work, where precision and detail matter most.

Design idea: Layer a few elastic bracelets using 4mm beads in different colours. The smaller size makes them comfortable for everyday wear and perfect for stacking.

Small and delicate.

6mm Round Beads – The All-Rounder

Best for: Elastic bracelets, necklaces, and matching earring sets.

The 6mm size is a jewellery maker’s staple, versatile, balanced, and easy to work with. It’s large enough to make an impact, yet still small enough to combine effortlessly with other sizes. Many classic beaded bracelets and necklaces use 6mm rounds because they strike the perfect balance between elegance and practicality.

They’re also comfortable to wear and easy to thread on elastic or wire, which makes them an excellent choice for beginners.

Design idea:

Create a single-strand bracelet using 6mm beads only. Simple, timeless, and endlessly wearable. Add a charm or accent bead for a subtle focal point.

Ocean Inspired 6mm bracelets using our shell beads.

8mm Round Beads – Bold and Noticeable

Best for: Statement bracelets, long necklaces, and mixed-size designs.

8mm beads are where your jewellery starts to stand out. They have more presence and weight, making them perfect for statement pieces or designs that showcase colour and texture.

If you like a bracelet that feels substantial without being too heavy, 8mm beads are a great option. They’re also ideal for combining with smaller sizes. Try alternating 8mm and 6mm beads for a balanced yet interesting pattern.

Design idea:

Mix 8mm beads in two contrasting colours for a bracelet that draws the eye. The size difference adds rhythm and visual flow to your piece.

8mm Rose Quartz & Amethyst Bracelet.

10mm and Larger – Statement and Structure

Best for: Chunky necklaces, feature beads, and decorative projects.

When you want your jewellery to make a statement, go big. Beads measuring 10mm or larger are bold, sculptural, and immediately attention-grabbing. They work beautifully as focal beads. Use one or two among smaller stones to anchor your design, or string them together for a truly dramatic look.

Larger beads aren’t just for jewellery, either. They’re also perfect for keyrings, suncatchers, and home décor crafts where their size helps catch the light and add visual interest.

Design idea:

Use a few 10mm beads as the centrepiece of a necklace, surrounded by smaller 6mm or 4mm beads. This creates a natural taper and gives the design a professional finish.

Go bold, go big!

Mixing Sizes – Adding Depth and Dimension

One of the simplest ways to make your jewellery designs look more dynamic is to mix bead sizes. A combination of 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm beads adds visual depth and texture, giving your piece a handcrafted, layered feel.

Graduated bead sizes can also help shape your design. For instance, starting with 4mm beads near a necklace clasp and increasing to 8mm or 10mm towards the centre naturally draws the eye and creates a flattering silhouette.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, sometimes the most beautiful designs come from mixing sizes you wouldn’t normally pair together.

Endless possibilites!

Choosing the Right Size for Your Project

Here’s a quick reference guide:

Bead Size	Look & Feel	Best For
4mm	Delicate, lightweight	Layered bracelets, spacers, earrings
6mm	Balanced, versatile	Everyday bracelets & necklaces
8mm	Bold, eye-catching	Statement designs
10mm+	Dramatic, structured	Feature pieces & décor projects

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “right” bead size, it all depends on your style and the story you want your jewellery to tell. Smaller beads bring subtle detail and elegance, while larger ones make your designs feel bold and full of personality.

If you’re ready to start creating, visit our product page, and you can start designing your own bracelets and necklaces straight away.