Let’s talk English cut beads. These incredible little pressed Czech glass beads bring a special touch to beadwork that isn’t truly duplicated in any other type of bead, and comes in sizes that make it perfect for spacers, trim, fringe, and a wide range of applications in bracelets and necklaces as secondary focals.
What are English Cut Beads?
“English cut” is the name given to beads that are pressed in a faceted nugget mold, but not machine-faceted afterward. The center seam from pressing is left in place, leaving a subtle striation on each. They’re made to mimic Victorian-era round beads that were cut with large facets by hand to give the beads a little more upscale look intended to mimic cut gemstone beads. Today’s English cut beads are left with blunted facets to properly honor the heritage of the style.
How do I use English Cut Beads?
The more rough-hewn look of the English cut bead is perfect for bohemian, primitive, nature-focused or vintage-inspired beadwork. And, of course, they’re one of the best ways to make authentic-looking Victorian-era costume jewelry in your steampunk inspirations or replica Victorian styles. While the wildly popular fire-polished beads are irreplaceable in work that calls for high-shine, precise facets, you may find English cuts are more to your liking if you want dimension and exquisite design without the machined look. They fit seamlessly into any space where baroque rounds are used, or to give a more organic look in place of round or fire-polished spacer beads.
What Sizes and Colors of English Cut Beads Are There?
English cuts don’t come in many sizes. Originally, they were only available in 3mm and 4.5mm through Preciosa. Now they can be purchased in a small range of sizes, which include 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm. What variety English cuts lack in size, however, they completely make up for in the colors and finishes available. They can be purchased in a wide range of base glass colors, and nearly as many durable specialty finishes. Whether you like matte, luster, rainbow, sueded, etched, marea, celsian, mercury (not real mercury, just looks like it)… you name it, there’s an English cut bead wearing it, often in combination with other specialty finishes for remarkable eye-catching beads that are at home in high-end pieces or turn simple ones into works of art. You can check out the English cuts for sale here, or browse your favorite Czech glass suppliers for their offerings.
Ultimately, English cut beads are one of those staple spacer beads that should be in nearly every serious beader’s arsenal. They’ll provide that finishing touch or vintage flavor in ways that can’t quite be duplicated by any other type of bead. Better yet, they’re generally relatively inexpensive with prices comparable to fire-polished beads on standard finishes, and not much more for highly specialized and unique finishes.