Gems2Behold has an extensive range gold or silver plated ceramic beads as well as glazed, unglazed and a wide range of colors. Ceramic beads are made from clay mixed with colors either glazed or unglazed then fired in a kiln. The hand made nature of the process and the natural individuality of the clay and colors result in variations from bead to bead, expressed in differences of shape, texture and color of the fired ceramics. Raku glaze on Raku beads is a smoked glaze which gives subtle, highly prized color variations. Its glaze is not as chip resistant. These ceramic beads from Greece are ideal for use with leather, hemp, polished cotton, rubber and other thick cords. If you want perfection, Greek ceramic beads are not for you.