Quartz - 8-Inch

Frequently asked questions

• What is an 8-inch quartz strand and what's it for?

  An 8-inch strand is a half-length cut of the standard 16-inch design strand, sized for a single bracelet. Most adult wrists land between 6.5 and 7.5 inches, so an 8-inch strand of quartz beads gives you enough to string a stretch bracelet with a little working slack, or to combine with spacers and a clasp. The 16-inch strand is the design-trade default for necklaces and multi-piece runs; the 8-inch is the bracelet-maker's version of the same material — same cuts, same drilling, just shorter. Pick the length that matches the project rather than buying long and cutting down.
• How many quartz beads per 8-inch strand?

  Bead count depends on diameter and the exact drill-hole spacing of the cut, but quick reference numbers for quartz in this collection: roughly 50 beads at 4mm, 33 at 6mm, 25 at 8mm, 20 at 10mm, and 16–17 at 12mm. Rondelles and faceted rondelles run higher counts because the beads are shorter along the drill axis. Faceted rounds and ovals can run slightly lower if the cut is taller than wide. Exact counts should be disclosed — confirm before ordering if your bracelet pattern needs a specific bead total.
• What jewelry uses 8-inch quartz strands best?

  Stretch bracelets are the most common use — one 8-inch strand of 8mm quartz strung on elastic cord fits a standard wrist with a couple of beads to spare. Multi-strand stacks work well too: pair a clear quartz 8-inch with rose, smoky, or rutilated for a tonal set. Wrap bracelets, beaded watch bands, and memory-wire cuffs are good fits for the smaller 4mm and 6mm sizes. Designers building production runs of bracelet SKUs often buy 8-inch strands per piece rather than cutting down 16-inch strands and absorbing the waste.
• Does Dakota carry quartz in 16-inch strands too?

  Yes. The full quartz collection in the 16-inch design length lives at /collections/quartz-gemstone-beads and carries the same cuts, sizes, and varieties stocked in this 8-inch assortment, plus additional shapes and sizes that don't always make it into the bracelet line. If you're stringing necklaces, longer wraps, or multi-piece sets where bead matching across strands matters, the 16-inch parent collection is the right starting point. The mineralogy and treatment notes are identical between the two lengths — only the strand length differs.
• What cuts of quartz are stocked in 8-inch strands?

  This 8-inch assortment leans on rounds as the workhorse, with rondelles, faceted rounds, faceted rondelles, ovals, double-drilled, square, and microfaceted rounds rounding out the cut range. Smooth rounds are the default for stretch bracelets; faceted cuts add light return for stacks and statement pieces; double-drilled shapes are built for multi-strand cuffs and bracelets with parallel cord runs. Quartz spans several varieties (clear, rose, smoky, rutilated, and more) — check the individual listing for the specific variety, color, and any treatment notes, and ask before buying if anything isn't specified.