Which Heishi pucks to choose?

The Heishi bead made its debut in our creative lives on a summer's day, but now it can be found all year round on our DIY costume jewelry.
On your wrists, around your neck, on your ankles, at the tips of your ears and even in your hair, opt for the Heishi bead!

1. What are Heishi beads?

Heishi rondelles are flat beads like discs, they can be made of wood, gemstone, synthetic, shell, metal and many other materials.
Heishi means shell in Amerindian, and these beads have been used since the dawn of time to create jewelry in many parts of the world.

2. The different types of Heishi

Following the craze for this summer's star bead, it is now available in a wide variety of materials and colors. Which heishi should you choose for your necklaces, bracelets, earrings...? From our list, you're sure to find the type of heishi puck you need!

Polymer Heishi

The colorful rondelles star of summer.
Match them with complementary colors, in multicolor mode or mixed with gold metal rondelles and beads.
They have a matte finish and are soft to the touch.
Reminiscent of the candy necklaces we ate as children, they have a nostalgic, retro feel.
Heishi beads can of course be worn all year round, depending on the color, but they're more likely to be seen on the beach in the summer, around the necks of surfers - in fact, heishi necklaces are called surfer necklaces.
They resist water and salt well, but may lose some of their bright colors with UV rays after a while.
If you use elastic thread to make your jewelry, be aware that it becomes brittle with heat, sun, salt water and cosmetics.
If you want to wear your jewelry in the sea, it's best to use fireline or turtle nylon wire.
See all our polymeric heishis beads.
If you'd like to make your own heishi rondelles, Karine shows you how in her neon polymer heishi tutorial.

heishi gemstone

Malachite, African Turquoise, Aqua Terra Jasper... Natural materials are back in the spotlight, and just what we need! Rondelle beads in natural stone add character to your homemade creations. They come in countless colors and sparkles, and are smooth or faceted. You can combine them with gold rondelles and use them in bracelets, necklaces or earrings. They're sure to create a sensation!
See all our heishi style rondelle beads in gemstone.

Heishi shell and mother-of-pearl

These Heishis are much heavier than polymer ones.
Unlike synthetic Heishis, they have an irregular appearance and natural colorsthat oscillate between brown and off-white.
They are slightly shiny, as they are polished.
They go perfectly with a white dress or blouse.
These beads give a distinguished, sober look.
Add golden beads for a more chic look, or mix them with Heishis gemstones for a more bohemian feel.
To create costume jewelry in Heishi shell or mother-of-pearl, use thick nylon thread or cabled wire.
See all our heishis beads in shell and mother-of-pearl.

Heishi ceramic

They have the bright colors of polymer clay beads but a natural, irregular appearance.
You can use them like polymer clay heishis, on the beach or at the market with your rattan basket, or at your cousin's wedding with colors to match your dress.
They're hard, heavy and shiny, and will last longer than polymer washers.
Use thick nylon or wired thread.
See all our ceramic heishi beads.

Coconut and wood heishis

Either natural or tinted, these are much lighter than shell or ceramic heishi beads.
They're a good compromise if you're looking for a natural, colorful and light material because you can't stand overweight jewelry.
You can match them with gemstone beads if weight isn't an issue for you.
You'll get a hippie, casual and trendy look!
Elastic thread, nylon thread or wired thread, you can use them all, but avoid soft fiber threads like weaving thread or silk thread, as there may be asperities on the beads that will catch the thread.
Find all our wooden and coconut heishi beads.

Metal heishis

Heishis or rondelles in gold, silver or rose gold are most often used with other heishi beads to give the jewel a more chic look, or with various beads as separators or spacers.
They are heavy, so if you're using elastic thread, don't use too much.
See all our metal heishi beads.

Heishi glass

Here we're talking about Miyuki spacers.
They don't qualify as heishi beads, but they are washers that can be used as beads or separators, hence the name. They are very small, from 2.2 to 3 mm, and can be used to create fine, lightweight jewelry.
You can wear them as a bracelet buildup, alone, or with other small polymer Heishis.
See all our glass heishi beads.

Resin Heishi

Heishi resin beads are rather large at 6 mm or even 8 mm in diameter. Their colors are bright and uniform. They are rounded at the edges and have a shiny plastic appearance. You can use them as spacers for necklaces, long necklaces or earrings.

Heishi plastic sequins

These are flat sequins that you can use as beads. They have very pretty colors and are a little shiny. They're very thin, so you'll need to string a good quantity to get enough thickness. Mix with beads so you don't get tired of stringing them.
See all our plastic heishis beads.

Now that you know all about the different types of Heishi pucks, we invite you to take inspiration from our Heishi tutorials !