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.
Beehive 20mm White Round - 8 Inch
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$67.00
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$67.00
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These jumbo beads are so light and airy, perfect for a bold look but without the weight. These are made from actual beehives and processed to make ...
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$67.00
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$67.00
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$67.00
Beehive 20mm Round - 8 Inch
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$67.00
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$67.00
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$67.00
$67.00
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$67.00
These jumbo beads are so light and airy, perfect for a bold look but without the weight. These are made from actual beehives and processed to make ...
View full details
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$67.00
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$67.00
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$67.00
$67.00
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$67.00
Purple Puka Shell 10-12mm Chip - 15-16 Inch
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$39.00
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Puka shells are naturally broken, ocean-tumbled fragments of cone snail shells, featuring a naturally occurring center hole ("puka" in Hawaiian). O...
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$39.00
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Purple Puka Shell 6-7mm Chip - 15-16 Inch
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$28.00
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$28.00
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Puka shells are naturally broken, ocean-tumbled fragments of cone snail shells, featuring a naturally occurring center hole ("puka" in Hawaiian). O...
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$28.00
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$28.00
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Purple Puka Shell 4-5mm Chip - 15-16 Inch
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$26.00
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Puka shells are naturally broken, ocean-tumbled fragments of cone snail shells, featuring a naturally occurring center hole ("puka" in Hawaiian). O...
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Green Lip Shell 4-20mm Graduated Heishi - 15-16 Inch
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$39.00
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Sea shells are one of our most ancient decorations. Our prehistoric ancestors used to string them into necklaces or hang them from cords as pendant...
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Melo Shell 4-20mm Graduated Heishi - 15-16 Inch
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Sea shells are one of our most ancient decorations. Our prehistoric ancestors used to string them into necklaces or hang them from cords as pendant...
View full details
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$39.00
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$39.00
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Spiny Oyster Mixed Wth Wampum 8mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch
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$99.00
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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!
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Spiny Oyster Mixed With Melo Shell 4-5mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch
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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...
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Spiny Oyster Mixed With Black Lip Shell 4-5mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch
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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!
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Spiny Oyster Mixed With Hammer Shell 4-5mm Heishi - 15-16 Inch
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A beautiful mix of Spiny Oyster and Hammer Shell make a strand of subtle neutrals that will compliment many designs!
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Spiny Oyster 5-12mm Purple Graduated Rondelle - 15-16 Inch
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$113.00
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$113.00
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Turban Snail 13x25-15x26mm Marquise Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$22.00
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A turban snail bead is a small, often polished piece of mollusk shell, typically from green or brown turban snails, cut and drilled for use in jewe...
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Turban Snail 14x16-22mm Oval Beads - 15-16 Inch
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A turban snail bead is a small, often polished piece of mollusk shell, typically from green or brown turban snails, cut and drilled for use in jewe...
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Freshwater Pearl 7-9mm Light Purple Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$12.00
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Unlike most gemstones found within the Earth, pearls are organic. Simply, they grow inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams. Some...
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Freshwater Pearl 7-9mm Golden Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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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
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Freshwater Pearl 7-8mm Light Gold Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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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
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Freshwater Pearl 8-9mm Light Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$13.00
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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
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Freshwater Pearl 7-9mm Multi Color Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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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
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Freshwater Pearl 5-8mm Golden Brown Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$11.00
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$11.00
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$11.00
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
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$11.00
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$11.00
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Freshwater Pearl 8-9mm Purple Brown Coin Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$13.00
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$13.00
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
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Freshwater Pearl 5mm Pink Rondelle Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$57.00
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$57.00
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$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
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$57.00
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Freshwater Pearl 4mm Silver Rondelle Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$57.00
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$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
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$57.00
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Freshwater Pearl 10-11mm Mix Potato Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 Inch
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$42.00
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$42.00
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$42.00
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$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
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$42.00
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Freshwater Pearl 7-8mm Mix Potato Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 inch
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$24.00
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$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
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Freshwater Pearl 9-10mm Silver Potato Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 Inch
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$31.00
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$31.00
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$31.00
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
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Freshwater Pearl 9mm Copper Rice Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 Inch
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$26.00
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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
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Freshwater Pearl 10mm White Rice Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 Inch
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$33.00
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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
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$33.00
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Freshwater Pearl 9mm White Potato Beads with 2mm Large Hole - 8 Inch
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$28.00
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$28.00
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$28.00
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
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$28.00
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Freshwater Pearl 5mm Peacock Top Drilled Rice Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$44.00
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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
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Freshwater Pearl 5-6mm White Rice Nugget Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$39.00
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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
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$39.00
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$39.00
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Freshwater Pearl 4-5mm White Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$33.00
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$33.00
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$33.00
$33.00
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$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
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$33.00
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$33.00
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Freshwater Pearl 4mm White Potato Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$33.00
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$33.00
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$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
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$33.00
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$33.00
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Freshwater Pearl 3-4mm Pink Rice Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$31.00
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$31.00
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$31.00
$31.00
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$31.00
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
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$31.00
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$31.00
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Freshwater Pearl 4-5mm White Rondelle Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$38.00
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$38.00
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$38.00
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
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$38.00
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$38.00
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Freshwater Pearl 4-5mm Light Pink Rice Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$35.00
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$35.00
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
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$35.00
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Freshwater Pearl 5mm Pink Rice Beads - 15-16 Inch
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$41.00
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$41.00
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
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$41.00
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Assorted Shell Inlay 15x19-20mm Rectangle - 15-16 Inch
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$96.00
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$96.00
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$96.00
This unique Limited Edition assorted shell strand has a beachy look to it. These pastel rectangle beads will look great in your summer designs.
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$96.00
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$96.00
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$96.00
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$96.00
Gray Wood with Abalone Inlay 8mm Round Bead - 15-16 Inch
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$81.00
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$81.00
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$81.00
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$81.00
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$81.00
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$81.00
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Java Glass 5mm Red Irregular Barrel Beads - 24 Inch
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African Christmas Beads 2-6mm Mixed Shapes - 34 Inch
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$12.00
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Java Glass 5mm Orange Irregular Barrel Beads - 24 Inch
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Java Glass 5mm Purple Irregular Barrel Beads - 24 Inch
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Roman Glass 4x8-9x22mm Free Form Tube with Pendant - 14-15 Inch
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$26.00
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$26.00
Roman glass that has been turned into contemporary beads refers to ancient Roman glass artifacts (often shards or fragments) that are carefully sal...
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Roman Glass 5x8-8x20mm Tube Bangle Beads with Pendant - 16-17 Inch
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$31.00
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$31.00
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$31.00
Roman glass that has been turned into contemporary beads refers to ancient Roman glass artifacts (often shards or fragments) that are carefully sal...
View full details
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Roman Glass 4-15mm Center Drilled Coin - 14-15 Inch
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Roman glass that has been turned into contemporary beads refers to ancient Roman glass artifacts (often shards or fragments) that are carefully sal...
View full details
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$24.00
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Ancient Glass 4x6-6x16mm Brown Tube Bangle Beads - 16-17 Inch
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$31.00
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Ancient glass from Pakistan, particularly from archaeological sites like those in the Swat Valley, has been excavated and repurposed into contempor...
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$31.00
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Ancient Glass 5x8-8x20mm Green Tube Bangle Beads - 16-17 Inch
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Ancient glass from Pakistan, particularly from archaeological sites like those in the Swat Valley, has been excavated and repurposed into contempor...
View full details
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$31.00
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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.
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.
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.
Heishi, rondelles, rounds, and carved clovers, flowers, and stars, plus ready-made spiny-and-turquoise mix strands for instant Southwest palettes.
Frequently asked questions
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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. Specific origin, species, or shell type should be disclosed; ask before buying if the listing doesn't specify and you need it confirmed for a build. -
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. Treatment status should be disclosed; ask before buying if it isn't specified and disclosure matters for your customer or for a treatment-sensitive design. -
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.