Beading Glossary - Letter H

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  

	Half-drilled bead  Beads with a hole that goes only half-way through, instead of all the way through like a normal bead. There are many findings that are made to take a half-drilled beads, like ring settings and earring posts. You can also use them to finish memory wire bracelets--an end cap. They are affixed with bead glue.
	Hank  A hank is made up of multiple strands of beads. Many bead shops display strands of beads in hanks and the buyer can purchase as many strands as they need. The number of beads per strand and strands per hank depends on the type and size of bead. A hank of size 13 seed beads contains 12 20 inch strands, approx 400 beads per strand and 5000 beads per hank. A 16 inch strand of 6mm round beads only contains 68 beads. The average 6mm bead hank contains 10 - 12 strands.
	Headpins  Headpins look like small thin nails. Put a few beads on a head pin, bend a loop in the top, and you have a dangle which can be made into an earring with the simple addition of an ear wire. Buy Head Pins
	Heishe  Heishe or heishi beads are small disc or tube shaped beads usually made of stone, shell or wood. They were first made from shell by Native Americans of the New Mexico area. Authentic heishe beads are handmade and can take days to produce strands of 2 - 3mm beads. Strips of shell or stone are drilled with evenly spaced holes, cut into squares, then shaped and smoothed by hand. The beads are beautifully smooth and uniform donut shapes. Buy Black Heishe Beads
	Hematite  The mineral form of iron oxide. Hematite beads are striking, being shiny and black in color. A heavy stone, useful for grounding. Buy 4mm Hematite Beads
	Hemp  A fibrous plant or the fiber from it. Hemp is often used to make macramé jewelry, especially chokers. Hemp is one of the most versatile plants on the planet and produces a strong fiber; unfortunately it is illegal to grow in the US because it is related to the marijuana plant.
	Hook and Loop Clasp  A type of clasp that is very easy to use. It can be made by hand with some wire (gauge 20 or thicker), however it may come apart if the hook is stretched.

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