Miyuki Beads: How They’re Made

Miyuki beads are a favourite among crafters for their high quality, precision, and beautiful colours. These tiny glass beads are known for being perfectly shaped and easy to work with, making them ideal for detailed beadwork. But how did Miyuki beads become so popular, and how are they made? 

The History of Miyuki Beads

Miyuki was founded in Hiroshima, Japan in 1949 as a small, family-run company, and quickly became one of the top producers of glass beads in the world. Their beads gained popularity for their consistency in size and shape, making them perfect for intricate projects like bead weaving and jewellery making. Today, Miyuki’s Delica beads—known for their smooth, cylindrical shape—are a must-have for serious beaders.

How Miyuki Beads Are Made

Miyuki beads are created using a mix of traditional glassmaking techniques and modern technology. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Creating the Glass: It all starts with raw glass, which is melted down at high temperatures. To get different colours, minerals and chemicals are added to the mix. For example, cobalt makes blue beads, while gold can create deep reds.

2. Shaping the Beads: The molten glass is pulled into long, thin tubes. This step requires precision to make sure all the beads will be the same size.

3. Cutting: Once the glass tubes cool down, they are cut into tiny bead-sized pieces. This gives the beads their final shape.

4. Polishing and Finishing: The beads are polished to smooth out any rough edges. They also go through various finishing processes to achieve different looks, like matte, metallic, or iridescent finishes.

5. Quality Check: Every batch of Miyuki beads goes through strict quality control to make sure they are perfectly sized and shaped. This attention to detail is what sets Miyuki beads apart from others on the market.

Why People Love Miyuki Beads

Miyuki beads are loved for their consistent size and shape, which makes them perfect for detailed projects like bead weaving, loom work, and embroidery. They come in a huge variety of colours and finishes, so there’s something for every project. Whether you’re just starting out or have been beading for years, Miyuki beads are a go-to for quality and beauty.