Faceted Coin Beads

Frequently asked questions

• What is a faceted coin bead?

  A faceted coin is a flat, round, disc-shaped bead drilled through the center of its face so the bead sits flush against the stringing line like a coin laid on a table. Both broad faces are cut with shallow facets — typically a checkerboard or radial pattern — which catch light across the full surface rather than around a curved edge. The result reads as a flat sparkle plane rather than a sphere. Diameter is the working measurement; thickness is usually 30–50% of the diameter. Compare to a faceted rondelle, which is drilled through the equator and shows facets on the side profile, not the face.
• What sizes does Dakota stock in faceted coin?

  Current stock runs from 2mm through roughly 15mm, with the working range concentrated at 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 12mm. 8mm is the deepest size (37 strands), followed by 6mm (31) and 4mm (23). 12mm gives a substantial focal disc (13 strands), and 2mm micro-coins (10 strands) work as spacers or texture between larger beads. A small number of 10mm, 8–12mm graduated, and 13–15mm strands round out the range. Diameter is measured face-to-face; check the listing for thickness if it matters to your design.
• Which stones come in faceted coin at Dakota?

  The cut is broadly stocked across feldspars, garnets, and beryls. Current depth runs Labradorite (10 strands), Garnet (9), Amazonite (7), Moonstone (7), Beryl (7), Lapis (6), Apatite (6), Quartz (6), Tourmaline (5), and Morganite (4), with additional stones in shallower counts. Treatment varies by stone — dye, heat, or stabilization may apply depending on the material — and should be disclosed. Ask before buying if treatment isn't specified.
• What jewelry works best with faceted coin beads?

  Faceted coins lie flat against the wrist or collarbone, which makes them a strong choice for bracelets and shorter necklaces where the bead face is the design surface. They stack cleanly side-by-side on a stretch cord or beading wire and read as a continuous shimmering band rather than a row of spheres. They also work as accent discs between larger focal beads, or as a graduated centerpiece in a strung necklace. Because the drill runs through the face, they don't dangle — for an earring drop, choose a top-drilled coin or briolette instead.
• Faceted coin vs faceted rondelle — what's the difference?

  Both are flat-profile beads, but the drill orientation changes everything. A faceted rondelle is drilled through the equator, so the bead spins on the stringing line and shows its faceted side profile to the viewer — it reads as a faceted ring. A faceted coin is drilled through the face, so the broad faceted surface points outward and the bead sits still. Coins give you a larger reflective surface per bead and a flatter strand profile against skin; rondelles give you sparkle on the edge and pair well as spacers between rounds. Choose by which face you want light to hit.