Metal Beads

Metal Beads — Brass, Stainless Steel & Alloy Beads for Jewelry Making

Browse over 840 metal beads in brass, stainless steel, and zinc alloy — spacers, connectors, decorative beads, and findings for every type of jewelry and accessory project. Metal beads add weight, structure, and a polished finish that other bead materials can't match. Whether you're making bracelets, keychains, earrings, or necklaces, metal beads are the finishing detail that turns a simple design into something professional.

Materials — Brass, Stainless Steel & Alloy

Our metal beads come in three main base materials. Brass beads have a warm gold tone and are easy to plate in gold, rose gold, or antique finishes — they're the most popular for decorative jewelry. Stainless steel beads are tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for everyday jewelry that needs to hold up to water and wear. Zinc alloy beads are the most affordable option, available in the widest range of shapes and finishes including antique silver, antique bronze, and tibetan-style designs.

Metal Spacer Beads

Metal spacer beads are small beads placed between larger beads to add separation, structure, and a metallic accent. They come in disc, rondelle, tube, barrel, daisy, and snowflake shapes. Gold and silver tone spacers are the most versatile — they pair with nearly any bead color. Use them between silicone beads on a keychain, between glass beads on a bracelet, or between acrylic beads on a pen build. For rhinestone-studded spacers, see our rhinestone beads collection.

Decorative and Shaped Metal Beads

Beyond spacers, we carry metal beads in decorative and figurative shapes — hearts, stars, flowers, leaves, skulls, animals, crosses, and more. Tibetan-style antique silver beads are popular for boho and vintage jewelry designs. Carved and textured metal beads add detail and depth to bracelet stacks and charm designs. These shaped metal beads also work well as accent pieces mixed into clay bead or glass bead jewelry.

Finishes and Tones

Metal beads are available in a range of plated finishes: gold, silver, rose gold, antique gold, antique silver, antique bronze, gunmetal, and rainbow electroplated. Matching the metal tone across spacers, clasps, and findings gives a finished piece a cohesive, polished look. If you're selling jewelry or keychains, stocking both gold and silver tone spacers covers most customer preferences.

How to Use Metal Beads in Projects

Bracelets and necklaces: Metal spacers between glass or gemstone beads create a clean, structured layout. A few antique silver beads mixed into a resin bead bracelet add contrast and visual weight.

Keychains and pens: Small metal spacer beads (4-6mm) fit between silicone rounds on keychain cords. On beadable pens, metal rondelle spacers sit between the round beads and the focal bead for a finished look.

Earrings: Lightweight metal beads (especially brass and alloy) work well for drop and dangle earrings. Pair a decorative metal bead with a few small spacers and an earring hook for a quick, sellable design.

Metal Beads for Your Small Business

Metal beads are essential inventory for any bead business. They're used in almost every project type as accents and spacers, so they sell steadily year-round without seasonal spikes. Stock a core range of gold and silver tone spacers in 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm, plus a selection of decorative shapes for variety. All the cords, clasps, and tools you need to work with metal beads are in our supplies collection.

Metal Beads — Frequently Asked Questions

What types of metal beads do you sell?

We sell metal beads in brass, stainless steel, and zinc alloy. The collection includes spacer beads, decorative beads, tibetan-style beads, connector beads, and shaped beads (hearts, stars, flowers, leaves, skulls, and more). Available finishes include gold, silver, rose gold, antique bronze, antique silver, gunmetal, and rainbow.

What is the difference between brass, stainless steel, and alloy beads?

Brass beads have a natural warm gold tone and accept plating well — they're the most popular for decorative jewelry. Stainless steel beads are tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic, best for everyday wear. Zinc alloy beads are the most affordable and come in the widest variety of shapes and antique finishes, but they may tarnish over time if not plated.

Do metal beads tarnish?

Stainless steel beads do not tarnish. Brass beads may develop a patina over time, which some people prefer for a vintage look. Zinc alloy beads with plating can tarnish if the plating wears off. To slow tarnishing, store metal beads in a dry place and avoid prolonged contact with water or chemicals.

What size metal spacer beads should I use?

4mm and 6mm metal spacers are the most versatile — they fit between standard 12-15mm round beads on keychains and bracelets without overpowering the design. 8mm spacers work well between larger beads or as standalone accent beads. For beadable pens, 6mm rondelle or disc spacers fit most pen rods.

Can I mix metal beads with silicone beads?

Yes. Metal spacer beads are commonly used between silicone beads on keychains and wristlets. Gold or silver tone metal spacers add a polished accent between colorful silicone rounds. Just make sure the metal bead hole is large enough for your cord — most metal spacers have 1.5-2mm holes, which fits standard nylon paracord.

Are your metal beads nickel-free?

Our stainless steel beads are nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Brass and zinc alloy beads may contain trace amounts of nickel depending on the plating. If you or your customers have nickel sensitivities, stainless steel is the safest choice.