What counts as a 'natural' in this collection?

Naturals here are organic or biogenic gem materials — formed by a living organism or plant rather than by geologic mineralization. Pearl and Shell come from mollusks, Coral and Fossil Coral from marine colonies, Amber from fossilized tree resin, Wood from trees, and Bone and Horn from animal sources. Mineralogically these aren't gemstones in the strict sense (no crystal structure, lower Mohs hardness, often porous), but they've been used as drilled bead material for centuries. Mineral varieties like Agate, Jasper, and Quartz live in the main gemstone categories. If you want stone-like density and hardness, shop those instead; if you want organic warmth and color range, this is the right hub.

Which materials does Dakota stock under Naturals?

Active inventory includes Pearl (freshwater, the deepest assortment), Natural Shell, Spiny Oyster (Mexican shell with orange-to-purple color range), Lion's Paw (scallop shell), Wood beads in several species, Coral and Fossil Coral, Amber, Natural Horn, and Bone. Cuts trend toward round, rondelle, heishi and tyre, coin, rice, and tube — shapes that suit the working material. Size availability concentrates between 4mm and 10mm for most stones, with larger 20mm focals in Wood and Shell.

How does care differ from mineral gemstone beads?

Organic materials are softer (Pearl ~2.5–4.5 Mohs, Amber ~2–2.5, Coral ~3–4) and more porous than mineral stones, so they react to things mineral beads shrug off. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, hot water, perfume, hairspray, and household solvents — these can strip surface luster, dull polish, or etch the material. Light exposure can fade dyed Pearl, Coral, and Wood over time; store strung pieces out of direct sun. Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry fully before storage. String on silk or nylon, knotted between pearls when possible, and restring periodically since cord absorbs body oils faster than with mineral beads.

What treatments are common on organic materials?

Treatment is common across this category and usually disclosed at the product level. Freshwater Pearl is routinely bleached to even tone and often dyed for color; nucleation method varies by farm. Coral is frequently dyed, and dyed Coral should be labeled as such. Amber on the market is often pressure-formed (reconstituted) or heat-clarified — natural untreated Amber exists but commands different pricing. Wood beads are typically sealed, stained, or waxed. Shell may be dyed or coated.

Can organic naturals be paired with mineral gemstone beads?

Yes, and the hardness gap is the main thing to plan around. Pairing Pearl (Mohs 2.5–4.5) with Agate or Jasper (Mohs 6.5–7) in the same strand means the softer material wears faster at contact points — use spacers, knots, or metal beads between them to reduce abrasion. Drill-hole sizes also vary: Pearl is often half-drilled or small-hole, while mineral rondelles run 1mm standard, so check compatibility with your stringing material. Visually, Pearl and Shell read as neutrals against most stones; Wood and Amber warm up cool mineral palettes like Amazonite or Aquamarine; Spiny Oyster bridges into Carnelian and red Jasper builds.

Naturals: Wood, Pearls, Shell, & Amber Beads

Natural beads bring warmth and life that even the finest gemstones can’t replicate. Our Naturals collection gathers organic materials—wood, pearls, shells, amber and more—each simply shaped, polished and drilled to showcase its native color, grain or iridescence.

Browse honey-glow Baltic amber, richly patterned rosewood and sandalwood, luminous freshwater pearls, creamy mother-of-pearl buttons, wampum and spiny oyster shells, plus ethically sourced coral accents. Strands run 8 or 15 inches and feature clean 0.5 – 1.0 mm holes that slide easily onto standard beading wire, cord or silk.

Blend these naturals with gemstone rounds for earthy contrast, string an all-wood mala for lightweight comfort, or spotlight a single iridescent shell focal in coastal-themed earrings. Every strand is inspected in Minnesota for color, surface quality and drilling accuracy, so you can design with confidence and let nature’s own palette do the talking.

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This is a Dakota Stones 4mm Freshwater Pearl White Crispy Gemstone strand with chip beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 4mm White Crispy Chip Beads - 15-16 Inch

$12.00 - $12.00

$12.00

$12.00 - $12.00

$12.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$12.00 - $12.00

$12.00

$12.00 - $12.00

$12.00

This is a Dakota Stones 3mm Freshwater Pearl White Cispy Potato Gemstone strand of round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 3mm White Cispy Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

This is a Dakota Stones 9-10mm Freshwater Pearl White Potato Large Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 9-10mm White Potato Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

This is a Dakota Stones 4-5mm Freshwater Pearl White Potato Large Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 4-5mm White Potato Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 6-7mm White Oval Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

This is a Dakota Stones 5-6mm Freshwater Pearl White Potato Large Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 5-6mm White Potato Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 6-7mm Multi Pastel Oval Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

$34.00 - $34.00

$34.00

This is a Dakota Stones 10-11mm Freshwater Pearl White Potato Large Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 10-11mm White Potato Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$33.00 - $33.00

$33.00

$33.00 - $33.00

$33.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$33.00 - $33.00

$33.00

$33.00 - $33.00

$33.00

This is a Dakota Stones 6-7mm Freshwater Pearl White Potato Large Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 6-7mm White Potato Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$19.00 - $19.00

$19.00

$19.00 - $19.00

$19.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$19.00 - $19.00

$19.00

$19.00 - $19.00

$19.00

This is a Dakota Stones 8-9mm Freshwater Pearl Pink Purple Potato Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 8-9mm Pink/Purple Potato Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

This is a Dakota Stones 12x14-15mm Freshwater Pearl Purple Rice Large Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 11-12x14-15mm Purple Rice Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

This is a Dakota Stones 10-12mm Freshwater Pearl Purple Rice Large Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 10-12mm Purple Rice Large Hole Beads - 8 Inch

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

$22.00 - $22.00

$22.00

This is a Dakota Stones 4-5mm Freshwater Pearl Peacock Potato Gemstone strand of round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 4-5mm Peacock Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch

$17.00 - $17.00

$17.00

$17.00 - $17.00

$17.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$17.00 - $17.00

$17.00

$17.00 - $17.00

$17.00

This is a Dakota Stones 14x15-17mm Freshwater Pearl Color Mix Flat Gemstone strand with oval beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 11-14x15-17mm 5 Color Mix Flat Oval Beads - 15-16 Inch

$39.00 - $39.00

$39.00

$39.00 - $39.00

$39.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$39.00 - $39.00

$39.00

$39.00 - $39.00

$39.00

This is a Dakota Stones 12x10-15mm Freshwater Pearl Color Mix Baroque Gemstone strand of round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 10-12x10-15mm 5 Color Mix Baroque Beads - 15-16 Inch

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Freshwater Pearl 10-12x10-15mm 4 Color Mix Baroque Beads - 15-16 Inch

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Freshwater Pearl 11-14x15-17mm 4 Color Mix Flat Oval Beads - 15-16 Inch

$32.00 - $32.00

$32.00

$32.00 - $32.00

$32.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$32.00 - $32.00

$32.00

$32.00 - $32.00

$32.00

This is a Dakota Stones 10x9-16mm Freshwater Pearl Color Flat Baroque Gemstone strand of round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 8-10x9-16mm Multi Color Flat Baroque Beads - 15-16 Inch

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

$29.00 - $29.00

$29.00

This is a Dakota Stones 6-7mm Freshwater Pearl Color Potato Gemstone strand of round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 6-7mm Multi Color Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

This is a Dakota Stones 5-6mm Freshwater Pearl Dark Brown Potato Gemstone strand of round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 5-6mm Dark Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch

$16.00 - $16.00

$16.00

$16.00 - $16.00

$16.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$16.00 - $16.00

$16.00

$16.00 - $16.00

$16.00

This is a Dakota Stones 5-6mm Freshwater Pearl Pink Red Flat Gemstone strand with irregular oval beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 5-6mm Pink/Red Irregular Flat Oval Beads - 15-16 Inch

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

This is a Dakota Stones 4mm Freshwater Pearl Black Semi Gemstone strand with round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 4mm Black Semi Round Beads - 15-16 Inch

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

This is a Dakota Stones 5-6mm Freshwater Pearl Dark Blue Potato Gemstone strand of round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Freshwater Pearl 5-6mm Dark Blue Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

$14.00 - $14.00

$14.00

This is a Dakota Stones 5-8mm Spiny Oyster Chips Orange Gemstone strand with free-form beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Spiny Oyster 5-8mm Free Form Chips Orange - 15-16 Inch

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

This is a Dakota Stones 23-40mm Sea Urchin Sticks Sizes Will Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

$99.00

$99.00 - $99.00

$99.00

The colors in this strand of Spiny Oyster and Wampum Shell are contrasting yet look so good together. It's like they were meant for each other!

$99.00 - $99.00

$99.00

$99.00 - $99.00

$99.00

This is a Dakota Stones 4-5mm Spiny Oyster Mixed Melo Shell Gemstone strand with heishi beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Spiny Oyster Mixed With Melo Shell 4-5mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

The soft neutrals of this strand are made from a combo of Spiny Oyster and Melo Shell. This strand of beads won't steal the show in your designs bu...

View full details

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

This is a Dakota Stones 4-5mm Spiny Oyster Mixed Hammer Shell Gemstone strand with heishi beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Spiny Oyster Mixed With Hammer Shell 4-5mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

A beautiful mix of Spiny Oyster and Hammer Shell make a strand of subtle neutrals that will compliment many designs!

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

This is a Dakota Stones 4-5mm Spiny Oyster Mixed Black Lip Gemstone strand with heishi beads in 15-16 inch strand.

Spiny Oyster Mixed With Black Lip Shell 4-5mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$19.00

$19.00 - $19.00

$19.00

The stunning contrast of the Spiny Oyster and Black Lip Shell make for a bold combo that is sure to be great to add to your designs!

$27.00

$27.00 - $27.00

$27.00

$19.00

$19.00 - $19.00

$19.00

Sale

This is a Dakota Stones 5-12mm Spiny Oyster Purple Gemstone strand with rondelle beads in 15-16 inch strand.

$57.00

$57.00 - $57.00

$57.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$57.00 - $57.00

$57.00

$57.00 - $57.00

$57.00

This is a Dakota Stones 10-11mm Freshwater Pearl Mix Potato 2mm Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 10-11mm Mix Potato Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 Inch

$42.00 - $42.00

$42.00

$42.00 - $42.00

$42.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$42.00 - $42.00

$42.00

$42.00 - $42.00

$42.00

This is a Dakota Stones 7-8mm Freshwater Pearl Mix Potato 2mm Gemstone strand of round beads in 8 inch strand.

Large Hole

Freshwater Pearl 7-8mm Mix Potato Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 inch

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...

View full details

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

$24.00 - $24.00

$24.00

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Eight hardwoods, one warm palette

Named Southeast Asian species, bayong, rosewood, graywood, nangka, robles, bahi palm, madre de cacao, whitewood, in natural finish, so the grain does the talking.

Wood's light weight keeps statement earrings, long necklaces, and malas comfortable, and the larger drill holes take cord and leather. Stocked in 4mm–10mm rounds with rondelles in select species.

Every shape in the pearl vocabulary

Real cultured freshwater pearls in potato, rice, keshi, coin, and baroque, from 2mm seed pearls for delicate layering to 20mm Edison and baroque focals.

Natural whites, pinks, and lavenders sit alongside clearly labeled dyed peacocks and coppers, and a large-hole range strings straight onto leather and cord.

Southwest color, straight from the shell

The classic partner to turquoise: Spondylus shell from the Sea of Cortez in natural red, orange, and rare purple, color that runs through the bead, no dye.

Heishi, rondelles, rounds, and carved clovers, flowers, and stars, plus ready-made spiny-and-turquoise mix strands for instant Southwest palettes.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a 'natural' in this collection?

Naturals here are organic or biogenic gem materials — formed by a living organism or plant rather than by geologic mineralization. Pearl and Shell come from mollusks, Coral and Fossil Coral from marine colonies, Amber from fossilized tree resin, Wood from trees, and Bone and Horn from animal sources. Mineralogically these aren't gemstones in the strict sense (no crystal structure, lower Mohs hardness, often porous), but they've been used as drilled bead material for centuries. Mineral varieties like Agate, Jasper, and Quartz live in the main gemstone categories. If you want stone-like density and hardness, shop those instead; if you want organic warmth and color range, this is the right hub.
Which materials does Dakota stock under Naturals?

Active inventory includes Pearl (freshwater, the deepest assortment), Natural Shell, Spiny Oyster (Mexican shell with orange-to-purple color range), Lion's Paw (scallop shell), Wood beads in several species, Coral and Fossil Coral, Amber, Natural Horn, and Bone. Cuts trend toward round, rondelle, heishi and tyre, coin, rice, and tube — shapes that suit the working material. Size availability concentrates between 4mm and 10mm for most stones, with larger 20mm focals in Wood and Shell.
How does care differ from mineral gemstone beads?

Organic materials are softer (Pearl ~2.5–4.5 Mohs, Amber ~2–2.5, Coral ~3–4) and more porous than mineral stones, so they react to things mineral beads shrug off. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, hot water, perfume, hairspray, and household solvents — these can strip surface luster, dull polish, or etch the material. Light exposure can fade dyed Pearl, Coral, and Wood over time; store strung pieces out of direct sun. Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry fully before storage. String on silk or nylon, knotted between pearls when possible, and restring periodically since cord absorbs body oils faster than with mineral beads.
What treatments are common on organic materials?

Treatment is common across this category and usually disclosed at the product level. Freshwater Pearl is routinely bleached to even tone and often dyed for color; nucleation method varies by farm. Coral is frequently dyed, and dyed Coral should be labeled as such. Amber on the market is often pressure-formed (reconstituted) or heat-clarified — natural untreated Amber exists but commands different pricing. Wood beads are typically sealed, stained, or waxed. Shell may be dyed or coated.
Can organic naturals be paired with mineral gemstone beads?

Yes, and the hardness gap is the main thing to plan around. Pairing Pearl (Mohs 2.5–4.5) with Agate or Jasper (Mohs 6.5–7) in the same strand means the softer material wears faster at contact points — use spacers, knots, or metal beads between them to reduce abrasion. Drill-hole sizes also vary: Pearl is often half-drilled or small-hole, while mineral rondelles run 1mm standard, so check compatibility with your stringing material. Visually, Pearl and Shell read as neutrals against most stones; Wood and Amber warm up cool mineral palettes like Amazonite or Aquamarine; Spiny Oyster bridges into Carnelian and red Jasper builds.