Porcelain and ceramic beads are formed, painted and baked in a kiln. You will probably see many beautiful Asian-style beads that are porcelain.

Pearls can be natural or farmed. These days, some faux pearls are made of glass. All kinds of pearls take dye very well, and so there are many beautiful colors, as well as shapes and sizes, available on the market.

Shell beads are much like pearls. There are many kinds of shells, and they can be dyed or come in natural colors. Shell beads may also be cut into shapes, like the circles you see here.

Stone beads are natural beads. They are manufactured by nature -- sometimes with a little help from people. Stone beads sometimes come in organic shapes and nuggets. Sometimes they are in perfectly formed and uniform shapes. Stone beads can also be dyed to enhance or change the color. The beads you see above are both. The beads on the top are a white stone that has been dyed. The beads on the bottom are turquoise in their natural color. Be aware that dyed stone beads are sun sensitive, meaning that they could fade.

Wooden beads can be cut, shaped and dyed. Traditionally, wooden beads are inexpensive, but sometimes after treatment by an artist they are even more fantastic and a little more expensive.