Bead Number Suffixes:
F = (Frosted)
Matte finish.
R = (Rainbow)
AB (Aurora Borealis) finish.
FR = (Frosted Rainbow)
Matte w/ AB finish.
SF = (Semi-Frosted)
Semi-Matte finish.
SFR = (Semi-Frosted Rainbow)
Semi-Matte w/ AB finish.
S = (Silver Lined)
D = (Dark)
Same color number but darker.
L = (Light)
Same color number but lighter.
Definitions:
Opaque:
Light does not pass through solid color glass.
Opal:
Milky transparent coating on clear or
colored glass.
Alabaster: Translucent
marble like coating
Transparent:
Light can pass through clear or
colored glass.
Translucent: Diffused
light passes through clear or colored beads. Semi-transparent.
Satin:
Translucent with many tiny parallel
lines running through it giving a variegated surface reflection.
Lined: (Color Lined - Silver Lined
- Copper Lined)
Color or metallic finish added to the
hole of a transparent or semi transparent glass bead that can be
seen through the glass. Take care not to scratch the lining with
your needle.
Ceylon:
Pearlescent or pearl like coating usually over pastel colors.
Luster:
Colorless transparent coating that gives a very high
(almost greasy looking) gloss
to the underlying surface.
Metallic:
Permanent thin metal coating over
glass.
Galvanized:
Silver or dyed silver plating over
glass. Avoid rough handling or contact with skin acids.
AB (Aurora Borealis):
Rainbow iridescent coating of
transparent “swirling” color on transparent or opaque glass
like the color swirls on a soap bubble.
Iris:
Iridescent coating of transparent
“swirling” color usually on opaque glass. Not necessarily a
“rainbow” of color like an AB finish.
Matte:
Soft velvety non reflective finish to glass. Also referred to as
frosted.
Semi-Matte:
In between shiny and matte.
