The term bicone refers to beads or objects that are wide in the middle and tapered at both ends - officially the shape is that of two cones places base to base. This basic shape takes on many forms in different types of beads, and can be squarish, faceted, and elongated like a tube or pipe. The bicone shape is also found in other mediums - think vintage Christmas decorations, for example.
1. Turquoise Blue Apatite Swarovski Bicones, 2. Strawberry Fields Czech Crystal Bicones, 3. Golden Pond Pinch Bicones
4. Swarovski Elongated Bicone, 5. Red Jade Faceted Bicones, 6. Emerald Czech Glass Bicone
The unique shape of bicone beads allows them to be nestled together in a variety of patterns. Different stitches or variations on other bead additions can provide some very interesting beadwork. If you’re a fan of Czech pinch bicones, you’ll love Jewelry Supply’s beaded pinch bead tutorial video.
1. Crystal Teardrop Earrings, 2. Pink Crystal and Pearl Earrings, 3. Lime Pearl Earrings
4. Blue Mabe Pearl Bracelet, 5. Fire Opal Pendant, 6. Red Pyramid Ring
For more fun bicone bead projects, check out these tutorials and inspirations:
Winter Candy Earrings by Auntie's Beads
Autumn Artistry Bracelet by Artbeads.com
Pacific Blue Bicone and White Pearl Earrings by Beads Talk
Do you have a favorite type of bicone bead?
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My favotite bicones: Swarovski crystal bicones of any size! They are my favorite Swarovski shape to use. As you said, they nestle so nicely in designs. Thank you, my friend, for including my lime green coin pearl/crystal earrings!
ReplyDeleteYour photo of the red and pink crystals makes my heart all happy and fluttery. :) The photo of the dreamy blue ones too! Such an interesting article - I also love Swarovski bicones. They're so lovely to work with, so full of sparkle! And thank you so very much for including my pearl and pink crystal earrings here!
ReplyDeleteThanks for including my crystal teardrop earrings.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that bicones are versatile. For a long time, it was the main crystal shape in my stash - because the shape compliments everything! I agree with Shadow Dog Designs that the Swarovski sparkle is an attraction too.
I love the first listing with the blue bicones. I don't use them a lot myself, but they are beautiful beads.
ReplyDeleteI love the "beaded pinch bead" from the Jewelry Supply video and, sitting practically right next to me, were some "Luster Smoky Rose/Gold" 5x3mm pinch beads. Isn't that a great name? Anyway, they are pretty. I'm definitely going to dive in here. I originally bought them - well, I made an excuse to buy them largely for a chance to see them in person! - to form an interesting RAW base for a bracelet, but I didn't have another specific project for them. So thank you for the nudge over to the Jewelry Supply tutorial!
ReplyDeleteFabulous post, I love Swarovski! That elongated bicone crystal is gorgeous. LOVE those Fire Opal earrings! Thank you for including my Mabe Pearl and Swarovski Crystal bracelet.
ReplyDelete~Pam
I also love to work with bicone crystals, especially with pearls. Thanks for including my Fireopal Pendant.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the bead-education! You've tempted me, too, to play with beading ~ like I need one more creative adventure to add to my lists! :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I love those fire opal beads! One of my favs!
ReplyDeleteI must say that overall I am really impressed with this blog.It is easy to see that you are impassioned about your writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad that you like it.
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