Miyuki Color Types & Finishes Guide
Miyuki seed beads are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Each finish has its own appearance, durability, and care requirements. This guide explains the characteristics of the color types used in our shop.
Opaque
Opaque colors are solid colors throughout the glass. Because the color is part of the glass itself rather than a surface coating, they are among the most durable Miyuki finishes.
Bead numbers: 401, 402, 404, 406, 407, 408, 409, 411, 413, 414, 416, 419, 501
Opaque Luster
Opaque beads with an additional lustrous coating that gives the surface extra shine while maintaining the solid appearance of opaque glass.
Bead numbers: 423, 426, 596-1, 600
Metallic
Metallic finishes create the appearance of metal surfaces such as gold, bronze, copper, or steel. These colors are highly popular for jewelry making due to their rich shine and versatility.
Bead numbers: 451, 459, 460, 461
Metallic Iris
Metallic beads with an additional iridescent coating that creates a subtle rainbow-like sheen.
Bead numbers: 462
Ceylon
Ceylon finishes feature soft, pearl-like colors with a gentle glow. These beads are generally considered stable and suitable for everyday jewelry projects.
Bead numbers: 594
Silverlined
Transparent glass beads with a silverlined hole that enhances brightness and depth of color. Generally considered a stable finish with low risk of color change.
Bead numbers: 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 18, 26, 2426, 2430
Silverlined AB
Silverlined beads with an Aurora Borealis (AB) coating that creates a rainbow-like iridescent effect.
Bead numbers: 1001, 1003, 1017, 1023
Silverlined Dyed
Silverlined beads enhanced with dyed colors. These finishes can be more sensitive to friction, skin contact, perfumes, cosmetics, and environmental conditions.
Bead numbers: 1425, 1436
Duracoat Galvanized
Galvanized metallic finishes protected by Miyuki's Duracoat technology for improved durability and color retention. One of the most popular Miyuki finishes.
Bead numbers: 4201, 4203
Duracoat Opaque Dyed
Dyed opaque colors protected by an additional Duracoat layer designed to improve color durability.
Bead numbers: 4451, 4452, 4453, 4455, 4456, 4458, 4461, 4465, 4466, 4468, 4470, 4472, 4474, 4479, 4481, 4483, 4484, 4485, 4486, 4487, 4490, 4491, 4492, 4493, 4494
Gold Luster
Colors enhanced with a warm golden sheen that adds richness and depth.
Bead numbers: 313
Color Lined AB
Transparent beads with a colored inner core and an Aurora Borealis coating. Due to their transparency, they may appear visually smaller than opaque beads of the same size.
Bead numbers: 360
Czech Coating
Special decorative coatings applied in the Czech Republic. These finishes create unique visual effects, including mottled, matte, or glossy appearances. As with many surface-applied coatings, durability may vary depending on wear and exposure.
Bead numbers: 4571, 4572
Care Information
The durability of Miyuki beads depends on the specific finish. Surface-treated finishes may be affected by friction, cosmetics, perfumes, chemicals, sunlight, moisture, or prolonged wear.
For best results:
- Store beads and finished jewelry in a dry place.
- Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products.
- Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising.
- Handle coated finishes with extra care.
When in doubt about a specific bead number, please feel free to contact us.