Wooden Beads: Woods, Sizes, Finishes and Care

Makers turn or carve wooden beads from many woods, and each one looks, feels and weighs different. Density alone varies hugely between species, from very light woods to woods that sink in water.^{(USDA 2010)} So two beads of the same size can feel nothing alike in the hand.

That is why the wood matters more than the shape. Light woods make easy, everyday strands, while dense, oily woods take a deeper polish. Agarwood is a special case: its value comes from the resin that forms inside the tree.^{(Tan 2019)}

According to the USDA Wood Handbook, specific gravity differs widely between wood species. First, that explains why wooden beads of one size can weigh very different amounts. Then resin adds weight in agarwood. Finally, we estimate agarwood at 0.60 to 0.95 g/cm³, a spread of about 58%, and weigh the real beads. For example, our data puts one 10 mm agarwood bead at 0.30–0.47 g.

Agarwood is the most variable wood in the table, because resin builds up unevenly inside the tree.^{(Tan 2019)} Sandalwood is the classic sweet-scented alternative. Rosewood and Ebony suit wearers who want dense, smooth beads, and Olive wood is a plain, medium-weight choice for everyday strands. For example, a strand of Ebony reads almost black from across a room, while Olive wood shows cream and brown swirls up close.

Wood density differs widely between species, according to the USDA Wood Handbook, so two wooden beads of one size can weigh very different amounts. Weigh the beads, or ask the maker for the weight, before you judge a wood by eye. In our data, 168 of the 182 styles on this site are agarwood, or 92%.

Choosing wooden beads is a matter of four checks: size, cut, drilling and finish. First, pick the size. Wooden beads of 8 to 10 mm suit most wrists, while 12 mm and up read bold, and 6 mm suits a fine look or a slim wrist. Second, pick the cut: round wooden beads roll smoothly, and cube or barrel beads sit flat. In our data, round beads make up 35% of the 82 plain styles, and cube or square beads 29%. Third, look at the drilling. A clean, centred hole keeps the strand even.

Finally, think about the finish. Makers often dye, lacquer or wax wooden beads, and each finish changes how the beads age. For example, dye and lacquer can chip or fade, while bare wood darkens gently with wear. By contrast, we simply polish natural Agarwood, so the resin lines show. Our agarwood bead size chart shows each size on the wrist. Our wooden bead bracelets use plain, unlacquered agarwood.

Caring for wooden beads is mostly a matter of keeping water, sun and wear in check. Wood minds water more than anything else: soaking makes wood swell and can crack a bead, and water weakens the cord. Wood keeps swelling until it reaches the fibre saturation point, about 30% moisture content on average.^{(USDA 2010)} So take the strand off for the shower, the pool and the gym. Then wipe the beads with a dry, soft cloth now and then. Additionally, keep wooden beads out of strong sun, which can fade the colour over time.

Unsealed wood also darkens slowly with wear, as the beads pick up a little oil from the skin. Many people like the change, because the beads look richer each year. In practice, the cord wears out long before the wood does. Our data puts 20 beads of 10 mm, enough for a 16 cm wrist, at 5.9–9.4 g. Finally, have the cord restrung every year or two with daily wear, and let wet beads dry flat.

Natural wooden beads are the better pick for anyone who wants the grain, the scent and a colour that deepens with wear. Dyed or lacquered beads suit a wearer who needs one exact, even colour across a whole strand. Aromatic woods such as Agarwood and Sandalwood lose most of their character under a coating, because the finish seals the wood.

A quick way to spot dye is the colour itself. Very bright shades, or a perfectly even brown on every bead, usually point to dye or lacquer, while natural wood varies from bead to bead. Pale agarwood alone covers 14 styles in our data, or 8% of the catalogue. Our plain Agarwood gets only a polish, so the resin streaks that formed inside the tree stay visible.^{(Tan 2019)} Pure agarwood, with no stone or metal, makes up 55% of our agarwood pieces.

Ordering wooden beads from us is a four-step exchange. In step 1, you choose loose beads for your own designs or a finished strand. In step 2, you choose a size from 3 to 20 mm and a cut. Next, we weigh the beads on camera, because agarwood sells by weight and one bead size can vary a lot. Finally, you approve the filmed weight before you pay anything. For example, our data puts one 20 mm bead at about 8.4 times the wood of a 10 mm bead. Beads of 16 mm or more appear in 19% of the styles that list sizes.

The wooden beads worth keeping are the ones whose wood you enjoy holding. So choose a species you like, a size that suits you, and a natural finish if you want the grain to show and age. For most wrists, 8 to 10 mm beads in Agarwood or Sandalwood make a balanced everyday strand. Our data agrees: 73% of the styles that list bead sizes offer 8 to 10 mm. Fine beads of 6 mm or less appear in 74%, often on multi-wrap strands.

Our agarwood is plantation-grown and ships under CITES rules.^(CITES) Agarwood comes from Aquilaria trees, and the whole genus has sat in CITES Appendix II since 2004. In practice, an Appendix II listing means international shipments need export permits. Browse loose agarwood beads for your own designs, or finished wooden bead bracelets.