This table shows the number of round beads needed to create different types of jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces. For example, for a 19 cm bracelet, you'll need 95 2 mm beads or 19 10 mm beads. Choose the bead size that best suits your project to achieve the desired effect.
You've found the perfect pearls for your next piece of DIY jewelry... But you can't figure out how many to order? Don't panic: this is one of the most common questions asked by jewelry designers, both beginners and experienced!
The number of beads you need depends on two things: the size of your beads and the length of the jewel you want to make. To make your life easier, we've calculated everything for you in a handy table, valid for round beads from 2 mm to 18 mm.
Just follow the guide!
Here's a table showing the number of round beads to use to make bracelets or necklaces:
| Bead diameter | 2 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm beads | 8 mm beads | 10 mm | 12 mm | 14 mm | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| One bracelet about 19 cm | 95 | 48 | 32 | 24 | 19 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
| Uniform or Choker necklace approx. 40 cm | 200 | 100 | 67 | 50 | 40 | 33 | 29 | 25 | 22 |
| The Princess necklace approx. 45 cm | 225 | 112 | 75 | 56 | 45 | 38 | 32 | 28 | 25 |
| Sautoir or matinée necklace approx. 51 cm | 255 | 128 | 85 | 64 | 51 | 42 | 36 | 32 | 28 |
| The opera approx. 71 cm | 355 | 178 | 118 | 89 | 71 | 59 | 51 | 44 | 39 |
| The long necklace or Rope necklace approx. 101 cm | 505 | 252 | 168 | 126 | 101 | 84 | 72 | 63 | 56 |
| The very long collar or Lariat collar approx. 122 cm | 610 | 305 | 203 | 152 | 122 | 102 | 87 | 76 | 68 |
Our designer's tip: if you'd like to make a bracelet with Heishi beads, please refer to the table in the technical data sheet dedicated to this type of bead. Ditto for seed beads.
To measure your wrist, wrap a flexible tape measure just above the wrist bone. Note the measurement, then add 1 to 2 cm to ensure that the bracelet is comfortable (neither too tight nor too loose).
Important: the figures in the table above are calculated for a continuous length of wire, without a clasp. If you use a clasp (lobster clasp, spring clasp...), remember to deduct 1 to 2 cm depending on its size. If in doubt, prepare a few extra beads - it's better to have too many than too few!
The choice of wire is decisive for the strength and durability of your jewelry:
Apply this formula: jewel length in mm ÷ pearl diameter in mm = number of pearls. Always add 2-3 beads as a safety margin.
The Princesse necklace (45 cm) is the most classic and versatile length. It suits all necklines and most styles.
Credits
Perles & Co, Internet & E-Commerce company [06/04/2026] Any reproduction, representation, adaptation, in any form whatsoever, even partial, is prohibited, except for reproduction for private use not intended for collective use, representation in the family circle (art. L 122-5 CPI) and online publishing on condition that the source is mentioned and a link is included to the corresponding page of our site www.perlesandco.com.
