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Bohemian glass · Czech Republic

Bohemian glass beads: Czech glass, fire-polished

Drops, faceted rounds, olives, donuts… Our Bohemian glass beads are made of pressed glass, fire-polished, and produced in the Czech Republic. Bold colours, a crisp, luminous finish and hundreds of shades for your earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Sold in strands of about 12 cm, they suit every idea, from colourful clusters to combinations with our 24K fine gold plated findings.

  • Pressed glassfire-polished
  • 500+colours and shapes in stock
  • 12 cm strands0.8 to 0.9 mm hole
Strands of Bohemian beads in Czech glass

Best-sellers

Our makers' favourite colours

Drops and faceted rounds: the Bohemian beads we sell the most, in the shop and online.

All Bohemian glass beads →

Guide

Transparent, opaque, matte, iridescent: which finish should you choose?

FinishThe lookIdeal forGood to know
TransparentLight shines through the glass: luminous coloursClusters, earrings, summer jewelleryThe most common finish
OpaqueSolid, bold coloursColourful jewellery, combinations with goldConsistent look from one bead to the next
Matte or frostedA velvety look, without shineSoft, natural jewelleryPairs well with natural stones
Iridescent, AB, metallicSurface reflections that change with the lightParty jewellery, small precious touchesSurface coating: avoid water and rubbing

Choosing the right thread: the hole of Bohemian beads measures 0.8 to 0.9 mm. They can be strung on nylon thread, beading wire or fine elastic, or on head pins and eye pins for earrings. The number of beads per strand (about 12 cm) is shown on each product page.

Faceted round Bohemian beads in fire-polished Czech glass

Craftsmanship

Bohemian glass, a Czech tradition

Bohemia, a region of today's Czech Republic, has been famous for its glass for centuries. Bohemian beads are pressed in moulds there, then fire-polished: a craft that gives them their sparkle and great consistency.

  • Pressed glassThe glass is pressed in a mould for crisp, regular shapes.
  • Fire-polishedA pass through the flame softens the edges and makes the glass shine.
  • Bold coloursTransparent, opaque, matte or iridescent: hundreds of shades.
  • Made in the Czech RepublicBeads from the historic cradle of Bohemian glass.
See all Bohemian glass beadsOur products made in Europe

Frequently asked questions

All about Bohemian glass beads

What is a Bohemian bead?

It is a glass bead made in the Czech Republic, heir to the Bohemian glassmaking tradition. Our Bohemian beads are made of pressed glass, then fire-polished for a crisp, luminous finish.

How do they differ from Miyuki beads?

Miyuki beads are small, highly uniform Japanese beads designed for bead weaving. Bohemian beads are larger and come in many shapes (drops, faceted, olives…): you string them to make earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The two go together beautifully.

How are they sold?

In strands of about 12 cm. The number of beads per strand depends on the size (from around ten to around fifty) and is shown on each product page.

What thread should I use?

The hole measures 0.8 to 0.9 mm: nylon thread, beading wire or fine elastic all work. For earrings and clusters, mount them on head pins or eye pins.

How do I care for Bohemian beads?

Glass is durable. Surface finishes (gold, metallic, iridescent) are more delicate: avoid prolonged contact with water and rubbing, and wipe your jewellery dry after wearing it.

Do you sell to professionals?

Yes: jewellery makers and shops can benefit from dedicated prices. Discover our PRO area.