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How To Use Top Drilled Beads

top drilled beads

What Is A Top Drilled Bead?

A top drilled bead has been drilled vertically through the top of the bead, about a quarter of the way down.

You will often find that pearls, teardrops and more unusual shaped beads will be drilled this way.

All you need to do is glue a peg into the bead and it will appear as a lovely little droplet which can used as earrings, pendants or charms.

TIP: You may need to file down the peg a little so that it sits snug at the top of the bead.

How To Attach Top Drilled Beads To Your Jewellery Designs

Sterling Silver Peg With Loop

Attach a peg with loop to create a charm

A peg is a component that is a small piece of wire with a loop at the top.

The peg is used to glue into half drilled or top drilled beads, you can then twist open the loop and attach to your jewellery designs.

If you are making a necklace or earrings, we would also recommend using jump rings to hang the chain or attach the ear wires from.

Browse our range of jewellery pegs here

Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy Glue

What Glue Do I Need To Attach The Bead?

At Kernowcraft, we always recommend our trusted Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy glue. This super strength glue is so reliable and it's fast drying too.

It's brilliant for all areas of jewellery making, from setting stones to bonding metal. It also sets clear, so you don't need to worry about making a mess.

For full instructions plus some hints and tips on mixing and application, click here

Create pendants, earrings and charms with top drilled beads

The possibilities are endless with top drilled beads. Check out some of our designs below and be inspired to create something special

top drilled jewellery making tutorial

Heart & 'Diamond' Necklace

Create a stunning necklace using a top drilled bead! In this design we've used our purple coloured cubic zirconia heart to make a focal pendant, along with our sterling silver black oxidized diamond cut rope chain for that added sparkle.

pearl drop earrings

Pearl Drop Earrings

These classic pearl drop earrings couldn't be simpler to make, this design uses our 9ct gold peg which has a cap, adding a decorative and neat finish to your design.

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...

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. 
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!
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.
Claire Hall
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Eve
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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.
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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.
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Maggi Henman
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Janice Scragg
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A
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