"Seed Bead" is a generic term for any small bead, usually glass, of which there are many types of shapes and sizes. A variety of seed beads are very often used in bead woven jewelry to create design, texture and depth. Seed beads are also used in combination with gemstones, pearls and crystals as you see in MB Designs handmade jewelry.
Miyuki glass seed beads are considered the world standard for their high quality, brilliance and uniform shape. About 60 years ago, Seiichi Katsuoka became fascinated by the brilliance and beauty of glass seed beads, so in 1949, he dedicated himself to learning the art of seed bead making. Seiichi's passion for making beautiful, high quality glass seed beads was passed down to his son, Hiroshi. Hiroshi added innovation to passion and began creating new types and styles of beads. This resulted in the founding of Miyuki, Japan's first successful mass-producing bead manufacturing company and a favorite of jewelry designers. Since then Miyuki has continued to innovate, and have produced many new and wonderful shapes and sizes of beads for bead weaving handmade jewelry.