KNOW HOW ROUND GEMSTONE BEADS ARE MADE

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW ROUND GEMSTONE BEADS ARE CREATED?

From the initial cutting and grinding of the raw stone to the drilling and polishing that result in a perfect, smooth bead, the process of creating gemstone beads is surprisingly intricate. Let's take a look to know how round gemstone beads are made.

MINING THE STONES

When it comes to making round gemstone beads, the process begins with mining the stones. Gemstone mining is an arduous process that often involves heavy labor and dangerous working conditions. The process of gemstone mining usually begins by searching for gem deposits. Geologists use a variety of techniques to locate these deposits, such as analyzing aerial photographs and using radiometric dating methods to determine the age of certain rocks. Once a promising deposit is located, the miners must then carefully excavate the natural gemstones. This is done by hand, or with machines such as drills and bulldozers. 

CUTTING THE STONES

The second step is cutting after selecting a rough stone that has been mined from the earth. The cutter must then evaluate the stone and decide on an ideal shape for it to be cut into. This will depend on the type of stone being cut, as some stones are better suited for more intricate designs than others. Once the ideal shape has been decided upon, the cutter will use specialized diamond-tipped tools to carefully chip away at the stone. This step requires great skill and precision as the goal is to create a shape with clean lines and smooth edges. 

When it comes to creating round beads, proper cutting of the stone is key to producing a beautiful product.

SHAPING THE STONES

These gemstone beads are created by shaping and cutting raw gemstones into the desired size and shape. This process is not as simple as it may sound and  requires special tools, expertise, and a precise eye for detail. After cutting the stones next step is to shape them with a vibrant machine and grooved machine that will round off the stones' corners and make the perfect round beads. The stones are then placed in tumblers to further refine their shape and polish them to a high shine. This process can take anywhere from days to weeks, depending on the type of stone and the desired finish. 

POLISHING THE BEADS

Polishing is one of the most important steps in the process of making round gemstone beads. To give the beads their smooth, shiny appearance, they need to go through a rigorous process of polishing and buffing. In the next step, the stones are put through a polishing machine that uses various buffing wheels with different grades of abrasive to polish the stones and get them ready for further processing. Once the stones have been polished to perfection, they are ready to be drilled and strung for jewelry or other decorative items.

DRILLING THE BEADS

Once the rough gemstone has been cut and shaped into the desired form, the next step in the process of creating round gemstone beads is to drill a hole through the center. Drilling a hole through a gemstone bead is not an easy task, as it requires precise measurements, special drills, and a great deal of patience. The type of drill used to create a round gemstone bead depends on the type of stone being used. For softer stones, like turquoise or fluorite, a drill press is often used, whereas, for harder stones like sapphire and agate, diamond drills may be required.  When drilling loose gemstones, it is important to have a steady hand, as even the slightest misalignment can lead to an uneven hole. It is also important to take regular breaks while drilling so that both the operator and the machine have time to cool down. After each hole has been drilled, the bead must then be thoroughly inspected for imperfections or damage before being passed on to the next stage of the process.

STRUNG THE ROUND BEADS FOR JEWELRY

Once the individual stones have been cut and drilled, they are usually arranged by size and color and strung on wire or thread. To give the beads a more professional look, some may also be strung onto a jig which can be tightened to make sure each bead is evenly spaced. This process is done by hand and can take some time, depending on the complexity of the design. Once the beads are strung, they are ready to be used in jewelry designs! Whether it’s a simple beaded bracelet or a more elaborate necklace, the round gemstone beads add a touch of elegance to any piece of jewelry. 

If you’re looking for the perfect round gemstone beads for your next jewelry-making project, then look no further than our selection. GemsBiz offers a wide variety of round stone beads in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit any style. Whether you’re making necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or other pieces of jewelry, we have the right bead for you!