How To Use 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
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.
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
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
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:
- Your Guide To Bead Stringing Materials For Jewellery Making
- The Essential Tools For Beading
- Beading: How To Start Jewellery Making With Lyndsey
- Answering Commonly Asked Beading Questions
- Types Of Beads For Jewellery Making
- The Difference Between Half Drilled, Top Drilled And Head Drilled Beads
- How To Use Top Drilled Beads
- Jewellery Making With Half Drilled Beads
- What Are Briolette Beads & How To Use Them
- Stringing Beads With Small Holes
- How To Make Your Bead Holes Bigger With A Bead Reamer
- Types Of Clasps For Jewellery Making
- 8 Reasons You Need A Bead Board
- How To Make A Sliding Knot
- Advice On Knotting Elastic Stretch Magic Thread
- How To Use Flex-Rite Jewellery Wire
- How To Use Crimps
- How To Make A Necklace With Beading Chain
- 4 Ways To Use Gemstone Donuts
- 4 Gemstone Chip Bead Project Ideas
- How To Use End Caps For Jewellery Making
- How To Make Earwires With Gemstone Beads
- How To Make A Memory Wire Bracelet
- How To Make Gemstone Bead Earrings
- How To Make A Bead Bar Necklace
- How To Make Beaded Bracelet With Flex-Rite Wire & Wire Guardians
- DIY Gemstone Friendship Bracelets
- How To Make A Beaded Bracelet With Knot Covers
- How To Make Polymer Clay Earrings
- How To Make Felt Jewellery
- DIY Mini Tassels & Jewellery Projects
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!