Beryl Beads (24)

Emeralds

Although the name, beryl, might not be that familiar, everyone has heard of emeralds. These brilliant green gemstones are a variety of beryl beads so famous for their color that the name is synonymous with ‘green’.

Emeralds are one of the few gemstones where inclusions do not decrease the value of the jewel, and emeralds with ‘fire’ inside are highly sought after for their beauty and character. The green color in emeralds is caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium.

Emeralds are found in Africa and Asia, as well as portions of the US and Canada, although the most valuable stones come from Brazil. This classic green form of beryl is the birthstone for the month of May.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl beads, and the name means “water of the sea.” A yellow variety is called aquamarine chrysolite, and a dark blue type is known as maxixe. Aquamarine is found in the same areas as emeralds, but this type of beryl doesn’t hold its color as well when heated. When aquamarine is exposed to radiation, it turns the dark blue of maxixe. The light turquoise aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March.

Goshenite

Clear, colorless beryl beads are called goshenite, after Goshen, Massachusetts, the place where it was first discovered. When goshenite beads are irradiated, they will turn from clear to yellow, green, pink or blue. In addition to jewelry, goshenite is the source of the element beryllium, which is used in many military and space flight applications.

Morganite

This variety of beryl beads can have a color ranging from light pink to rose to orange. The largest specimen of morganite is the Rose of Maine, which was mined in the Bennett Quarry in Buckfield, Maine and weighed over 50 pounds. This form of pink beryl was named for the financier, J.P. Morgan.

Heliodor

Unlike emeralds, heliodor (or golden beryl) is an unusually clear gemstone with very rare inclusions. Golden beryl is light to dark yellow/gold in color, while heliodor has a greener cast to it.

Beryl Beads

the Bead Traders carries several colors of beryl beads to choose from, and no matter what hue you pick, you can be sure that you will be getting the highest quality beads on the market. The value, quality and integrity of every bead we sell is covered by our Three Part Value Pledge, so trust the Bead Traders for your next bead purchase.