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Grey Glass Beads A soft, smoky grey shot through with iridescent, rainbow-tinged shimmer — Grey Glass Beads are the kind of accent that quietly transforms a candle arrangement or floral display the moment the light hits them. Semi-transparent, polished to a mirror finish, and weighted with the satisfying heft of real glass, they read as understated until they’re lit. Then they’re dazzling. The beads pair particularly well with Clear, Aqua and White Opal Glass Beads from the wider collection, where the grey provides a calmer base for the brighter tones to lift against. Where Grey Glass Beads work best The combination of an iridescent grey, a flat-bottom shape and the weight of real glass gives these beads a particular niche in styling and craft work: Arts and crafts projects — the flat base makes them easy to fix with adhesive into mosaic-style panels, ornament work and creative styling pieces. Flower arrangements and floral displays — used as vase fillers, pot toppers and stem weights, where the grey reads as a sophisticated counterpart to white, cream or pastel flowers. Candle crafts — laid around an LED light or candle, the iridescent surface picks up flashes of pink, blue and green from the flame. Aquarium and lit-display styling — the rainbow shimmer is at its best when light passes through from the front or above. Mixed-bead displays blended with Clear, Aqua or White Opal beads from the same range to build a custom palette. The look, the feel, the long-term advantage The shimmer comes from a polished, iridescent surface treatment combined with the semi-transparent grey body — light passes through the glass, picks up a faint rainbow tint, and reflects back from the curved, glossy top. The colour itself is permanent: the dye is mixed into the glass during the melt, so it won’t wash off, fade or dull with time. And the flat bottom matters more than it looks. It means each bead sits where you place it rather than rolling, which makes them easier to arrange in a styled tablescape, fix to a craft panel with adhesive, or load into a hurricane lamp without losing them all to the table. Sizes, packaging and how much to order Each bead is round with a smooth, glossy surface and a flat-sided base, varying in size from 17 to 19 mm. Available in 15 kg or 25 kg bags, with low-cost sample bags supplied on request — useful for confirming the colour and shimmer against your design before a larger order. Order size Typical use case Sample bag Colour-matching against an existing palette or floral scheme 15 kg bag Single floral installation, mid-sized craft panel, or styling project 25 kg bag Multi-table event styling or larger craft project Multiple 25 kg bags Trade orders, full venue styling, or multi-arrangement memorial work Use the Online Calculator to estimate the precise quantity for your container, or order a sample bag first if you want to test the iridescent effect under your own lighting before committing to a larger order. FAQs Will the iridescent shimmer wear off over time? The shimmer is part of the polished glass surface rather than a coating, so it remains stable indefinitely with normal handling. Avoid abrasive cleaning and don’t soak the beads in detergent — a gentle rinse and a soft cloth keep them bright. Can I use Grey Glass Beads in water with cut flowers? Yes. The dye is permanent and won’t wash off or leach into water, so the beads work as a base layer in a vase. Rinse and dry between uses to keep the surface clear. Are these beads safe around small children? The beads measure 17 to 19 mm and pose a choking hazard for small children. Keep them out of reach of young children and pets. Need a hand choosing the right quantity or pairing? Call our team or use live chat. We’ve been advising florists, decorators and event stylists across Ireland for over twenty years and we’re happy to talk through the practicalities of working with iridescent glass.