Bugle beads are elongated tubes of glass, cut to certain sizes. Bugles can be rounded or hexagonal in shape as shown in the product photos; sometimes the extruded hot glass is twisted before it cools, resulting in a beautiful swirled shape. We carry bugles manufactured in the Czech Republic and Japan. Our collection includes many sizes and shapes; view by manufacturer and size in the columns at right.
Bugle sizes (allow for some variation)
Japanese size 1 about 3mm
Japanese size 2 about 6mm
Japanese size 3 about 9mm
Japanese 12mm
Czech size 2 about 5mm
Czech size 3 about 7-8mm
Czech size 5 about 10-11mm
Czech 12mm
Czech 15mm
Czech 20mm
Micro bugles about 2mm, very tiny holes
Approximate measurements per gram
Czech size 2 per gram = 35
Czech size 3 per gram = 22
Czech size 5 per gram = 15
Czech 12mm per gram = 11
Czech 15mm per gram = 8
Czech 20mm per gram = 4
Japanese size 1 per gram = 85
Japanese size 2 per gram = 25
Japanese size 3 per gram = 18
Japanese 12mm per gram = 12
Micro bugles per gram = 350
:IMPORTANT: About bead finishes
Opaque and transparent beads are color-through; colors are permanent and stable and will not rub off.
Aurora borealis (AB), iris, and lustered finishes are extremely stable and should not rub off unless subjected to severe surface stress such as scraping or sanding.
Matte finishes and "silk" finishes on beads are also very stable.
Dyed colors may wear over time if exposed to caustic substances, harsh cosmetics, or surface stress, though most dyed colors will remain stable over at least thirty years.
The finish on galvanized beads listed as "stable" is permanent and will resist wear and chemicals very well.
Ordinary galvanized beads are not perfectly stable; finishes may rub off due to surface stress, cosmetics, or personal body chemistry.
Precious electroplated beads (24K gold, sterling silver, copper) are very stable, though they should be handled with care appropriate to their cost.
