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Monday, April 25, 2011

Bead Spotlight: Ceramic and Porcelain

Like classic saltwater pearls, ceramic and porcelain beads can add a special old-world charm to jewelry designs. They come in a beautiful variety of shapes and styles, from textured pendants to hand painted tubes. Some of the most amazing stoneware beads and focals are created by skilled artisans, and are treasured for their one of a kind nature.

Beautiful Ceramic Beads and Pendants

Ceramic Rectangle Pendant, Greek Patinaed Bronze Ceramic Beads,
Earthenwood Studio Ceramic Toadstool Charm, Ancient Mosaic Tile Beads

Red Dragon Ceramic Bead, Vintage Ladybug Macrame Bead,
Speckled Oval Ceramic Beads, Chinese Painted Ceramic Beads


One of the most common materials used to make ceramics, pottery and porcelain is kaolin - a layered silicate mineral, also called white clay or china clay. The molded clay is hardened at extreme temperatures in a kiln, forming solid and beautiful pieces with delightfully earthy qualities. Glazes applied before the ceramic pieces are fired not only make them more durable, but add to their beauty as well.

Did you know? Kaolin comes from large mines all over the world, and is also a common ingredient for making glossy paper, toothpaste, incandescent light bulbs, paint and can be used as a pest deterrent in organic farming.

Ceramic and Porcelain Jewelry Designs

Ceramic Bead Bee Charm Bracelet, A Mix of Seasons Ceramic Necklace,
Ceramic Dragonfly Necklace, Red and White Sea Pottery Necklace

Straw Fields Pendant Necklace, Ceramic Bees with Gold Tone Earrings,
OOAK Ceramic Beaded Bracelet, Black and Red Ceramic Beaded Necklace


Do you like to use ceramics in your designs? What is your favorite style, shape or finish to work with?

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9 comments:

  1. KristiBowmanDesignApril 25, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Great information and you've chosen some of my favorite pieces!! Thanks so much for including my necklace with the LadyBrookDesigns Ceramic pendant!

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  2. Ocean Charms JewelryApril 25, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Beautiful selections! Thank you for including my sea pottery necklace:)

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  3. Ocean Charms JewelryApril 25, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Beautiful selections! Thank you for including my sea pottery necklace:)

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  4. Rose ClearfieldApril 25, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Nice post! I love to use Lisa Peters ceramic buttons as clasps for my work:
    http://lisapetersart.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda LandigApril 25, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Very informative post. I love including ceramics in my jewelry.I am esp. drawn to shiny glazes that pool in the deeper parts of the surface texture and are more transparent or white on the higher parts. Nancy of Round Rabbit Extra on Etsy is esp. good at this. Thank you for including my Ceramic Bee Charm bracelet. The bee and the ceramic beads are by Nan Emmett of Spirited Earth. http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpiritedEarth

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  6. AnonymousApril 25, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    I have recently been using more ceramic and I love the look of it. Very nice choices! and thank you for including my bracelet:)
    Gloria Ewing
    Chrysalis Jewelry

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  7. somethinguniqueApril 26, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Hi Mortira, i love using ceramics in my designs my 2 favs are Mary Harding & Gaea both on Etsy and very unique ttfn L:)

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  8. Teka and ZoeApril 29, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Thank-you so much for including my Greek Beads from my Artfre shop: "Textures". You have found many great items.

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  9. UnknownMay 7, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I have yet to use ceramics in anything but those are some beauties and I will try it someday.

    ReplyDelete