Labradorite - 8-Inch

Frequently asked questions

• What is an 8-inch labradorite strand for?

  An 8-inch strand is the bracelet-length cut of the same labradorite Dakota sells on 16-inch design strands. It's sized for a single stretch bracelet, a wrap segment, or one row of a multi-strand cuff without needing to cut down a longer strand. The 16-inch strand is the trade default for necklaces and long designs; the 8-inch is the bracelet-maker's working unit. Mineralogy, cut, and color tier are identical between the two lengths — the only difference is how much material is on the wire. If you're building bracelets in batches, the 8-inch lets you scale bead count per piece without wasting strand.
• How many labradorite beads come on an 8-inch strand?

  Bead count depends on diameter and the drill-hole spacing of the specific cut, but rough working numbers are: ~50 beads at 4mm, ~33 at 6mm, ~25 at 8mm, and ~20 at 10mm for round cuts. Rondelles and faceted rondelles run higher counts per inch because they're shorter through the drill axis — expect more beads per 8 inches at the same nominal size. Exact count varies strand to strand. the listing lists the size and cut; if precise bead count matters for a production run, ask before buying so we can confirm on the strand you're getting.
• What jewelry works best with 8-inch labradorite strands?

  Stretch bracelets are the main use — one 8-inch strand strung on elastic cord makes a standard wrist-fit bracelet with minimal waste. The length also works well for single rows in a multi-strand cuff, segments in memory-wire wraps, and bracelet bars on leather. Labradorite's flash reads strongest on rounds 6mm and up, where each bead has enough surface to catch light when the wrist moves. Smaller 4mm rounds work for stacking or as spacers between larger feature beads. For necklace-length work, the 16-inch strand is the more efficient buy.
• Does Dakota carry labradorite in 16-inch strands too?

  Yes. The 16-inch parent collection is at /collections/labradorite-gemstone-beads and carries the broader cut and size range — including shapes and finishes that don't always appear in the 8-inch assortment. The stone is the same material from the same supply; the 16-inch is the trade-standard length for necklace design and longer continuous runs. If you need both lengths for a coordinated piece, the color and flash will match across strands of the same grade, though as with any natural stone there's strand-to-strand variation in body tone and flash intensity.
• What cuts of labradorite come on 8-inch strands?

  The current 8-inch assortment is mostly smooth rounds in 4mm through 10mm, plus rondelle and faceted rondelle options. Rounds show labradorite's broad flash planes best; faceted rondelles break the flash into smaller flickers and read more sparkly on the wrist. Color tier and flash strength vary by lot — higher-grade material with stronger blue, gold, or multicolor flash is usually noted in the product title or description. Treatment and origin should be disclosed; ask before buying if those details aren't specified for the strand you're considering.