Obsidian - 8-Inch

Frequently asked questions

• What is an 8-inch obsidian strand and who is it for?

  An 8-inch strand is a half-length cut of obsidian beads sized for the bracelet market. A standard adult stretch bracelet finishes at roughly 7 to 7.5 inches, so one 8-inch strand typically yields a single bracelet with a small allowance for knot tension or a clasp transition. The 16-inch strand is the design-trade standard for necklaces and long multi-bead layouts; the 8-inch length is what bracelet makers, kit assemblers, and small-batch designers reach for when they don't want to pay for and store inventory they won't use.
• How many obsidian beads come on an 8-inch strand?

  Bead count depends on diameter and drill spacing, so treat these as working estimates. At 4mm, expect about 50 beads per 8-inch strand. At 6mm, about 33. At 8mm, about 25. At 10mm, about 20. The 10x20mm double-drilled rectangle runs roughly 10 pieces per strand because each bead occupies more linear space. Exact counts vary slightly with cut tolerance and how tight the holes are strung at the factory, so plan a small buffer if your design requires a fixed bead count.
• What jewelry is best made from 8-inch obsidian strands?

  Stretch bracelets are the most common build — one 8-inch strand strung on quality elastic finishes a standard wrist. Beyond single stretch, designers use 8-inch lengths for multi-strand stacks (buying three or four strands in mixed sizes for a coordinated set), memory-wire wraps, and bracelet kits where exact bead allocation matters. The shorter strand also suits charm-bracelet accents and earring pairs where you only need a handful of beads and don't want to commit to a full 16-inch. For necklaces or long ropes, the 16-inch parent strand is more economical.
• Does Dakota carry obsidian in 16-inch strands too?

  Yes. The same obsidian material is stocked in 16-inch strands on the parent collection at dakotastones.com/collections/obsidian-gemstone-beads. The 16-inch page typically carries a wider range of sizes, cuts, and obsidian varieties (black, snowflake, mahogany, rainbow, gold sheen depending on availability) than the 8-inch assortment, which is curated toward bracelet-friendly diameters. If you need a size or variety you don't see on the 8-inch page, check the 16-inch parent first.
• What cuts and obsidian varieties are stocked in 8-inch?

  The current 8-inch assortment leans round — 4mm, 8mm, and 10mm rounds cover the standard bracelet diameter range. There's also a 10x20mm double-drilled rectangle for two-hole bracelet and cuff designs where parallel stringing keeps beads flat to the wrist. Obsidian is a volcanic glass with a Mohs hardness around 5 to 5.5, so it takes a clean polish but is softer than quartz-family stones — worth noting if you're pairing it in a stack. Specific variety (black, snowflake, mahogany, etc.) should be disclosed; ask before buying if it isn't specified.