There are many types of Czech beads — different shapes, colors and finishes — and each of them behaves differently in embroidery.
Choosing the right bead is just as important as the design itself. It affects how your brooch looks, how it shines, and even how well it keeps its color over time.
Let’s start with transparent beads.
Transparent glass beads have a soft, natural look. They don’t give very bright color, but instead create light, delicate shades and smooth transitions.
Here are the main types:
Clear transparent beads — soft, natural color without strong brightness
Transparent with a shiny surface — similar color, but with extra sparkle in the light
Color-lined beads — painted on the inside, much brighter, but require careful use (water and chemicals can damage the color)
Chameleon (two-tone lined beads) — glass and inner color differ, creating beautiful shifting shades depending on the light
Iris / rainbow coated — special finish that creates multicolor reflections, sometimes called “oil effect”
Transparent beads are perfect when you want soft gradients and smooth color transitions without harsh contrasts.
Silver-lined beads have a special metallic coating inside the hole, which gives them a deep shine and rich color. They look brighter and more luminous compared to regular transparent beads.
Here are the main types:
Silver-lined — the inner silver coating creates a strong shine and vibrant color. Beautiful, but requires gentle care — over time the coating may darken
Silver-lined with rainbow coating — even more intense and eye-catching. The combination of inner silver and outer coating enhances the color. Avoid high heat, as the finish can be damaged
Silver-lined matte — a softer, diffused look with the same inner glow. The matte surface balances brightness and creates a more elegant effect
Silver-lined beads are perfect when you want your embroidery to stand out and catch the light.
Opaque beads are fully colored glass — solid, even shades without transparency. They help highlight a clear, specific color, but look more calm compared to transparent or silver-lined beads.
Here are the main types:
Opaque — fully dyed in one color, with a smooth and even look
Matte opaque — soft, non-shiny surface that gives a more muted and elegant effect
Pearl / glossy opaque — has a pearly shine, similar to small pearls, with a gentle glow on the surface
Semi-transparent — a more unusual type, where the color appears deeper in shadow and softer in bright light, sometimes with a slightly “wet” look
Matte opaque beads are especially good for designs with clean lines and structured color blocks — for example, geometric patterns or folk-inspired ornaments.
