Shell beads are beads polished from shells, which have unique texture and luster and are often used to make jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings. Plastic beads are beads made of plastic materials, which are usually used to make decorations or toys. They are light and easy to process.

There are great differences between shell beads and plastic beads in material, appearance and use. Shell beads are made of natural shells with unique texture and color, while plastic beads are synthetic materials with uniform texture and color. From the appearance, shell beads usually show pearl-like luster and texture, while plastic beads are relatively dull. In use, shell beads are mainly used to make high-grade jewelry, and plastic beads are mainly used to make low-grade decorations or toys.

The source of shellfish beads

Shell beads are organic gems polished from shells, and their sources are mainly shellfish in the sea, such as oysters, clams, scallops, jewelry snails and so on. These shellfish will secrete shells during their growth, and there is a layer of mother-of-pearl or mother-of-pearl, which is the main component of shellfish.

The formation of shellfish beads is a natural reaction of shellfish. When shellfish are invaded or infected by foreign objects, they will produce a defense mechanism to wrap the foreign objects around themselves and gradually form smooth and shiny shellfish beads. This process is similar to the reaction of the human immune system. Shellfish constantly wrap foreign bodies by secreting mother-of-pearl, and finally form pearls. Because of its beauty, various colors and textures, Zhu Bei has become one of the most popular jewelry materials in the jewelry industry.