Posted by: nbaground on: January 25, 2010
Delicas are a specific bead manufactured by world celebrated Miyuki, Japan's oldest seed bead manufacturer. They are cylindrical in shape with a big hole that allows multiple passes of thread through each bead and can be had in a vast array of colors and finishes.
Size 11 is the most popular size of the Delica beads with 944 selections of colors, finishes and treatments in the round cylinders in addition to another 55 in the hex cuts, which are hexagon shaped cylinders. The many variations are produced by specific glass treatments. There is basic transparent glass, basic opaque glass, and etched glass for a matte or semi-matte effect. Then there are the many different colored glasses.
In addition there is a variety of finishes or treatments. "Treatment" refers to something that is applied onto the surface of the glass and can be on the top, at times within the hole and sometimes one finish on the top and a different finish in the hole. Treatments may include a clear "rainbow" or "aurora borealis" finish, a "pearl" finish, colored dyes, and an array of metal coatings including precious metals. Some Delica beads have more than one treatment applied to them in order to produce the desired effect.
Be aware that there are some durability issues with some of the finishes like the dyed or galvanized beads. The best suppliers will be able to provide you with the durability information.
Miyuki also makes a size 10 Delica that is somewhat bigger, a size 8 that is much larger than the size 11, and a size 15 that is a lot smaller. The size 10 and 15 are relatively new and therefore don't come in as many colors and finishes as the size 11.
The quality of Miyuki's Delica beads is very high and therefore they cost more. You should purchase them from a reputable bead store that sells the genuine article. You should be aware that some retailers have been known to obtain cheaper, lower quality beads from another producer and pawn them off as Delicas. Also be very wary if you are tempted to buy at an on-line auction.
If you are getting your beads to bead up a pattern that gives you the Delica number, such as DB-010, you should have no problem because every color has a number. However, if you are getting your beads by description you may have a problem, due to the fact that there is not a standard color description for each bead. The reason is that the Japanese description does not translate readily into English and the different importers each have their own interpretation. So it's always best to go by the DB- number.
Real Delica beads are a superb choice in any Loom, Peyote or Brick project because they are so regular. They make any pattern line up perfectly and give a clean, crisp finish to your beadwork. There are fewer culls when you are working and therefore they are more cost effective than their price might indicate. And the color and finish range is fantastic!
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