Which Heishi round beads should you choose for your DIY jewelry?

The Heishi round pearl made its entry into 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 ankle, at the tip of your ears and even in your hair, opt for the Heishi pearl!

1. What are Heishi beads?

Heishi rondelles are flat beads like discs, they can be made of wood, gemstones, synthetic, shell, metal and many other materials.
Heishi means shell in Amerindian. 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 pearl, it is now available in a wide variety of materials and colors. Which heishi should you choose for your necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc.? Our list is sure to include the type of heishi rondelles you need!

Polymer Heishi beads

The colorful rondelles star of summer:

• Match with several complementary shades, in multicolor mode or mixed with gold metal washers 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 pearls can of course be worn all year round, depending on the color, but they're more likely to be seen in the summer, on the beach around the necks of surfers; Heishi necklaces are actually 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 heishi beads.
If you'd like to make your own heishi rondelles, Karine shows you how in her neon polymer heishi tutorial.

Gemstone heishi

Malachite, African Turquoise, Aqua Terra Jasper... Natural materials are back in vogue, and just what you need! Round beads in natural gemstones 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 put them in your bracelets, necklaces or earrings. They're sure to create a sensation!
See all our heishi-style rondelle beads in gemstones.

Shell and mother-of-pearl Heishi rondelles

• These Heishi beads are much heavier than the polymer ones.
• Unlike synthetic Heishi, they have an irregular appearance and natural colors ranging from brown to off-white.
• They have a slight sheen, as they are polished.
• They go perfectly with a white dress or blouse.
• These pearls give a distinguished, sober look.
• Add golden pearls for a more chic look, or mix them with Heishi 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 heishi shell and mother-of-pearl beads.

Heishi ceramic round beads

They have the bright colors of polymer clay beads but a natural, irregular appearance.

You can use them like polymer clay heishi, 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 heishi

Either natural or dyed, they 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 jewelry that's too heavy.
You can match them with gemstone beads if weight isn't an issue for you. The result is a hippie style that's both casual and trendy!

Elastic, nylon or wired, you can use them all, but avoid soft fibrous 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 heishi

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

Glass Heishi rondelles

Here we're talking about Miyuki spacers.
They are not called Heishi beads, but they are washers that can be used as beads or separators, hence their 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 an accumulation of bracelets, alone or with other small Heishi beads.
See all our glass heishi beads.

Resin heishi

These 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 look. You can use them for necklaces, long necklaces or earrings as spacers.

Heishi plastic sequins

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

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