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The Difference Between Half Drilled, Top Drilled And Head Drilled Beads

Beads come in a variety of different shapes and sizes as well as being drilled in a number of different ways! 

Kernowcraft supply all types of drilled beads, so we have made this page to outline the differences between half drilled, top drilled, head drilled and centre drilled beads so that you know which to buy for your jewellery designs.

Diagram of centre drilled beads

Centre Drilled Beads

This means that the bead has been drilled all the way through the centre.

For example on a round bead this will be drilled through the centre of the bead at the widest point.

This style is perfect for creating many designs, necklaces, bracelets, anklets. Always check the hole diameter on your beads to ensure it will fit with the threading material you wish to use.

Browse our range of beads to see what's new.

Half drilled bead diagram

Half Drilled Beads

This means that the bead will be drilled to a centre point, this is a common drill hole used on pearls and beads that are to be attached to pegs for earrings etc.

This style of drill hole conceals the fitting making the bead the most prominent feature, it is perfect for making little stud earrings or adding a round bead/pearl feature on to a ring.

Attach half drilled beads on to the peg findings with a little glue - we recommend Devcon 5 minute epoxy glue.

Diagram of head drilled bead

Head Drilled Beads

This means that the hole has been drilled horizontally through the top of the bead so that the bead itself hangs lower than the thread.

This style of bead is great for creating simple designs using necklet wire, chain or flexrite wire.  

We recommend our range of briolette beads for a elegant, beach chic look.

Find all of our head drilled beads amongst all our our gemstone beads.

Diagram of top drilled bead

Top Drilled

This means that the bead has been drilled vertically through the top of the bead, about a quarter of the way down. You can insert a post into it and when suspended from a chain or earring the bead appears as a little droplet.

Pearls, teardrop and more unusual shaped beads are often drilled in this way. These beads need to be glued on to the peg finding of your choice according to your design. You may need to file down the peg a little so that it sit snug to the top of the bead. We recommend you use the Devcon 5 minute epoxy glue to secure the bead onto the peg. 

This style of bead is similar to the half drilled mentioned above, however the drill hole tends to be drilled a little shallower. The beads are often shaped like hearts, stars, or irregular shapes. The top drilled bead make a great focal point on a necklace or pair or earrings.

For information about making bead drill holes bigger, read our 'How to Make You Bead Holes Bigger' page. 

Also in this section:

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you advice over email or on the phone.

You can learn more and find inspiration by visiting our Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Kits and YouTube Channel. Don't forget to follow us on social media and tag us in your designs on Instagram & Facebook, we would love to see!

What Our Customers Say...

Frank Wilson
It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!
April Luescher
Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?
Catriona
Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website. 
George Inglis
Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.
Claire Hall
Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!
Janice Scragg
Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!
Jill Hammersely
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.
Kim Thomson
I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.
Deborah Roberts-Barter
I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!
Julia Schofield
I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.
Daniel Coe
The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.
Hayley Meredith
I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft.  I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!
Lynn Carson
I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.
Helen Bowles
I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.
Catherine Warwick
Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!
Marshal
Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.
Maggi Henman
I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.
Christine Wood
Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.
Dorota Todd
I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.
Mihaela Ciubotaru
I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.
A
I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!
Jenny Kirkwood
Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?
Helen
Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!
Sarah Tiley
Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.
Jaquie
It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.
Claire
I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.
Eve
The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!
Joel Martin
Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!
Gloria Williams
I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!
Lenna
Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.
Lydia Farrow
Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.
Rhiannon Piper
The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.
Frank Wilson
I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.
Vivienne Sadler
Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!
Denise Mountain Pike
I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.
Lauren Jodie Piercy
Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.