Coatings, bead brands and more

What is the difference between TOHO and Miyuki

In terms of quality nothing. They are both Japanese brands. Toho specializes in seed beads and Miyuki is a somewhat broader bead brand. Miyuki has besides a large assortment of seed beads also tilas, delicas, drops, bugles and cubes.

There are differences in size. The TOHO rocailles 8/0 have a somewhat larger threading hole and are also somewhat larger than the Miyuki 8/0 rocailles. The 11/0 does not differ that much. In general, you can say that

T he threading hole of TOHO seed beads is slightly larger than that of Miyuki. This can be an advantage if you want to thread the same bead several times with needle and thread.

Coatings explained

In the world of beads, coating names can seem like a madhouse. Here's a little explanation!

Duracoat and Perma finish are names for coatings where an extra layer is applied to improve the color fastness of the coating. Miyuki calls it Duracoat, TOHO calls it Perma Finish. These coatings are the best you can get from these brands.

Luster = shine
AB = an extra layer of aurora borealis effect
Picasso = with spots
Opaque = solid color
Metallic = Metallic
Galvenized = galvanized
Matted = matted
Frosted = As if there is a layer of frost on it
Lined = the threading hole is colored
24kt plated = the bead has a thin layer of 24 carat gold
Etched = roughened
Crystal = on glass
Rainbow = rainbow shine

Coatings disclaimer

We select beads with coatings of the highest quality. However, it can happen that a color fades during wearing. And this is also to be expected over time. It is not realistic to expect that bead jewelry that is worn day in day out will remain beautiful for years.

This fading has to do with friction, the pH of the skin and how intensively the use is. Make-up, perspiration, sun, water, shower gel and cleaning agents all have an effect on the coatings.

Advice is therefore

  • do not shower with beads
  • don't wear your jewelry 24/7
  • not sleeping
  • do not participate in sports
  • do not allow to come into contact with care products

Rocailles with duracoat and perma finish stay beautiful the longest!

24kt Gold plated beads are more prone to fading despite being real showstopper. Jewelry with these beads are not suitable for 24/7 wearing.

The Silver lined & dyed beads are more sensitive to fading.

Stainless steel parts

are nice for people with allergic reactions to other metals, but be careful stainless steel is not nickel-free. Most stainless steel contains 10% nickel. The parts of surgical steel are hypoallergenic.

Here at Kralen Lodge we like to sell ion plating stainless steel parts

These parts suffer much less from discolouration and remain beautiful up to 5 to 8 times longer than other platings.

Stainless steel in combination with ion plating becomes a heavy-duty hypoallergenic product that stays beautiful for a long time.