Accent beads usage by jewellery designers can be an exciting endeavour. They are a frame that can be used to put all the attention on the gemstone bead as the main attraction or is the focal bead that becomes the focus for a piece of jewellery. However, here rather than drawing focus due to its size, this is done through colour or texture or contrast. For eg. it will be an rare shape, a different pattern or texture or a different colour. Accent beads can be used to highlight the pattern in a stone or mirror that pattern.

Precious metal accent beads in numerical patterns add beauty and dimension to any jewellery design. Another way to accent a stone is by mirroring the properties of the stone such as a moonstone. You can base a moonstone design on all the number associated with a moon cycle such as 12, 9, 3 and 4’s which is much easier to achieve with accent beads than the moonstone alone as you would have to have many different shapes and sizes of moonstone. The design can be further enhanced by using disc shaped sterling accent beads that reflect the shape and colour of the full moon. This is just one example of using accent beads.

Another use of accent beads is to add to the richness of the piece by incorporating Gold, Vermeil or Gold filled beads can accomplish this from a lavish outlay in 20K or a modest one using Vermeil or gold filled beads but still achieving the look of a sophisticated valuable jewellery article. Gold brings the look of wealth, abundance and luxury.  It also adds joy or celebratory nuances because it mirrors the look of the full summer sun. There are also affordable and stylish options like glass, crystal and wood beads which can be used if one is just getting started with jewellery making. Gemstone beads on the other hand have become popular in the jewellery industry due to their one of a kind, natural occurrence and their healing properties.

A fascinating example for inspiration would be the ancient jewellery piece from Egypt, Phoenicia, Greek or Rome which portrays the drama and power fused by accent beads.

Accent beads applications are endless. They can extend the design options without limitations. Knowledge of various elements of jewellery designing is important for an aspiring jewellery designer. To learn about the world of jewellery design enroll in a 3 years BSc. in Jewellery Design course offered at one of the best jewellery designing institutes in Cochin.