When it comes to jewellery making, bead choice is key to creating the perfect piece. Whether you're a beginner, making jewellery as a hobby, or a professional designer creating pieces to sell, the type of bead you choose will impact the overall look, feel, and durability of your piece.

A common question we get asked is: What's the difference between acrylic and crystal beads? In this guide, we'll take you through the key differences, their pros and cons, and help you decide which is best for your project.

What Are Acrylic Beads?

So what are beads made of? Acrylic beads are made from plastic and are a great option for those looking for lightweight, affordable, and versatile materials. They come in a huge range of colours, shapes, and finishes, making them perfect for costume jewellery, kids' craft projects, and large scale designs where weight is a factor. Acrylic beads for jewellery making can be purchased in bulk for a relatively low cost – but you get what you pay for in terms of quality.

Pros of Acrylic Beads:

✔ Budget-friendly – ideal for bulk projects or children's crafts
✔ Lightweight – comfortable to wear, especially for larger designs and costume jewellery
✔ Available in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes
✔ Durable – resistant to chipping or breaking

Cons of Acrylic Beads:

✖ Less sparkle – although some are faceted acrylic beads, they don't offer the same light reflection as crystal, so appear much less sparkly.
✖ Can scratch over time
✖ Lacks the premium feel of glass or crystal beads and can often look cheap

What Are Crystal Beads?

Crystal beads are made from high-quality glass that has been precisely cut and polished to enhance sparkle and light refraction. Big names like Preciosa and Swarovski are renowned for their premium crystal beads, which offer a level of brilliance unmatched by acrylic.

Pros of Crystal Beads:

✔ Stunning sparkle – cut to reflect light beautifully
✔ High end look – perfect for luxury jewellery and bridal designs
✔ Durable – doesn't scratch as easily as plastic/acrylic
✔ Available in a wide variety of colours and finishes

Cons of Crystal Beads:

✖ More expensive than acrylic beads
✖ Heavier – can be an issue for larger jewellery pieces
✖ Can chip if not handled carefully

Key Differences Between Acrylic and Crystal Beads

	Acrylic Beads	Crystal Beads
Material	Plastic	High quality glass
Weight	Very light	Heavier but not uncomfortable to wear
Sparkle	Low	High, diamond like brilliance
Durability	Scratch-resistant but can dull over time	Harder surface but can chip if handled roughly
Cost	Budget-friendly	More costly, premium pricing
Best for	Costume jewellery, kids' crafts, large-scale projects	Luxury jewellery, bridal designs, elegant accessories

Which Beads Should You Choose?

The right bead for you depends on your project, your budget and what your final piece is intended for.

Go for acrylic beads if:

• You need lightweight beads for comfort, especially in larger pieces such as costume jewellery.
• You're working on a budget-friendly project.
• You want a wide range of colours and shapes.
• You're making fun, playful jewellery or children's designs.
• You're making pieces for a one off performance/show where durability isn't needed.

Choose crystal beads if:

• You're creating luxury jewellery that needs an elegant, high-end finish.
• You want maximum sparkle and brilliance.
• Your intention is to sell the item, a luxury brand name will show the quality.
• You're working on bridal accessories, evening jewellery, or high fashion designs.
• You don't mind a slightly heavier bead for that premium feel.

At Crystal Parade, we stock a huge range of Preciosa crystal beads – a fantastic, high end alternative to Swarovski. Preciosa beads include the popular Bicone, Bellatrix and Round shapes, available in a myriad of colours and sizes. Browse our collection today or get in touch if you need help choosing the right beads for your project!