Miyuki Rocailles Beads - RR 4696, Opaque Glazed Frosted Rainbow Red (8/0)

Opaque beads are opaque with a pure, solid color and no translucency. The color comes from the glass itself, giving a strong and uniform color expression in your beadwork.

Durability: High. When the beads are opaque without dyed color, the color will stay beautiful over time without fading. Be aware that some opaque beads may be "opaque dyed" — where the color has been added externally and is therefore more sensitive to sun and chemicals.

Best for: Everyday jewelry, embroidery, designs where you want clear and durable colors.

Matte beads are treated in a special way to give the surface its characteristic, muted look. The glass itself is either tumbled or acid-treated, so the otherwise glossy surface gets a frosted, non-shiny quality – like sea glass or hoarfrost. The color itself is preserved, but the expression becomes noticeably softer and more textured. You can recognize Miyuki Matte beads by an "F" at the end of the color code (e.g. 401F).

Visually, you get a bead where the light is absorbed rather than directly reflected. This gives the colors an almost velvety quality, and the expression becomes modern, calm, and elegant. The Matte finish can be combined with virtually all basic bead types – Opaque, Transparent, Metallic – and therefore opens up a wide range of colors and expressions.

• Durability: Very durable – the color is part of the glass; the matte surface may become slightly glossy over time with heavy wear
• Suitable for: All types of jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. An obvious choice for modern, Scandi-inspired designs and in combination with matte stones and natural materials.
• Care: Withstands water and normal use. Avoid rubbing the beads vigorously against hard surfaces, as this may polish the surface glossy over time.

Rainbow beads have a multicolored, vibrant coating that creates an intense rainbow play across the surface. The effect is akin to AB, but often more powerful and dramatic — green can turn purple, blue can turn gold, pink can turn silver.

Durability: High. The coating holds up well under normal use, but can wear over time with heavy friction.

Best for: Party jewelry, statement designs, accent beads that elevate the whole composition, necklaces and earrings where color play is the main focus.