Many beads are made from natural materials including seeds, nuts, bone, horn, shell, clay and more. These natural beads are harvested from tropical and semi-tropical areas, especially the Philippines. Natural beads usually have larger holes and will fit on leather cord and other larger stringing materials. Beads made from seeds, nuts and wood should not be exposed to water or excessive humidity for long periods of time. Because they are harvested from plants and trees, natural beads will vary in size, shape and color from bead to bead.
Shop for Natural Beads here.Anipay or ricebean beads may be made from the Vigna Umbellata a warm-season annual vine legume common to Asia.
Bettle Nut (Betel nut or Areca nut) beads are made from the seed of the Areca palm.
Buri Nut beads are made from the nut of the Buri palm tree from which buri, raffia and buntal are obtained.
Coco beads are made from the shell of the coconut tree. Coco beads are naturally beige to dark brown, but are also dyed a range of vibrant colors.
Kukui Nut or Candlenut beads are made from the seed of the Candlenut flowering tree also known as Candleberry or Indian walnut.
Limestone beads are made from porous rock formation form the ocean beads which is naturally white. Limestone beads are colored to resemble coral to prevent harvesting which endangers coral and can negatively impact marine diversity and balance. Limestone beads are dyed coral pink as well as a rainbow of other bright colors.
Mahogany seed and pod beads are made from the Pod Mahogany or Afzelia quanzensis, and its seeds are traditionally used for ornaments and charms.
Peli Nut or Pili Nut beads are made from the seed of the Canarium ovatum plant native to the Philippines.
Salwag Seed beads are made from the nut of the salwag palm tree native to the Philippines.
Caravan Beads, C-Lon, and C-Flex are registered trademarks of Caravan Beads, Inc., all rights reserved. All text and images copyright 2007-2010.
