Delicas are a particular bead made by world renowned Miyuki, Japan's oldest seed bead producer. They are cylindrical in shape with a big hole that allows multiple passes of thread through each bead and can be had in a vast array of colors and finishes.
Size 11 is the most in demand size of the Delica beads with 944 different colors, finishes and treatments in the round cylinders plus approximately 55 more in the hex cuts, which are hexagon shaped cylinders. The many variations are produced by specific glass treatments. There is basic transparent glass, basic opaque glass, and etched glass for a matte or semi-matte effect. Then there are the many different colored glasses.
In addition there is a variety of finishes or treatments. "Treatment" means something that is done on the surface of the glass and can be on the top, often within the hole and in some instances one finish on the top and a different finish in the hole. Treatments may include a clear "rainbow" or "aurora borealis" finish, a "pearl" finish, colored dyes, and an array of metal coatings including precious metals. Some Delica beads have more than one treatment applied to them in order to result in the desired effect.
Note that there could be durability concerns with some of the finishes like the dyed or galvanized beads. The best retailers will be able to supply you with the durability information.
Miyuki also manufactures a size 10 Delica that is slightly larger, a size 8 that is a lot larger than the size 11, and a size 15 that is a lot smaller. The size 10 and 15 are relatively new and therefore don't come in as as big a variety of colors and finishes as the size 11.
The quality of Miyuki's Delica beads is very high and as a result they are more expensive. You must purchase them from a well respected bead shop that sells the true article. Be aware that some retailers have been known to obtain less expensive, lower quality beads from another manufacturer and pass them off as Delicas. Also be very careful if you are tempted to buy at an on-line auction.
If you are buying your beads to finish a pattern that gives you the Delica number, such as DB-010, you shouldn't have a problem because each color has a number. But if you are selecting your beads by color name you could have a problem, because there is not a standard color description for each bead. The reason is that the Japanese description does not translate readily into English and the different importers each have their own interpretation. So it's always best to go by the DB- number.
Genuine Delica beads are a superb choice in any Loom, Peyote or Brick project due to the fact that they are so uniform. They make any pattern line up perfectly and give a clean, crisp finish to your project. There are fewer culls when you are working and therefore they are more cost effective than their price might indicate. And the color and finish selection is fantastic!
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