Bead Size Guidelines
Bead measurements are in INCHES. Example: .53 x .68 Inch
The first number is the measurement taken from bead hole to bead hole. The second number is the “belly” or width measurement.
Pendants will reflect a slight variation.
The first number is the measurement from bead hole to bead hole
The second number is the LENGTH of the pendant
& the width is shown under the measurement label of thickness
Converting inches into millimeters To convert from inch to mm sizes use a conversion chart
or online tool such as this one: http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/inches-to-millimeters.htm
The Studio’s Bead Grading System
Just as precious gems are priced according to the quality of each stone, Starleen prices her FOCAL BEAD work according to the unique attributes each creation possesses. The precision of technique execution, clarity of encased elements, color, and aesthetic appeal will determine the price. Anyone that is familiar with Starleen knows only the absolute best will receive the mark of Premium. Her standards and integrity of work are set very high. One flaw no one else notices but her can cut the price in half unless overall design appeal compensates in some way. The following studio grade definitions have been established to assist the collector while bead browsing.
GALLERY GRADE QUALITY
For work to receive this extraordinary quality mark, it must possess refinement. Creations need to be not only breathtaking, but technically hit the mark in every way. They must also completely satisfy Starleens attempt to execute out her vision for the piece. Expect remarkable depth & clarity of encased elements and crystal clear glass.
PREMIUM QUALITY
Beautiful Beads, slightly under the gallery grade standards. Majority of collectors opt for this grade to find the balance of obtaining a gorgeous bead and affordability. Premium standards are high, but fall slightly shy of fulfilling Starleens complete goal during design execution. Expect to see excellent clarity and depth with a solid design on the inside. Minimal to null bubble inclusions and perfect color.
BASIC QUALITY
Pretty beads, but are technically flawed. Basic beads could contain multiple seeded bubbles, slightly off color design attempts, subtle unbalanced design elements, minor design element misplacement, or similar flaws. Expo customers often ask Starleen “ Why are the Basics so much less ” at the table. Well it is about artistic integrity… Even if the customer never identifies the flaw, the artist knows and does her best to educate on quality of her art glass beads, flaws and grading standards.
BEAD SET QUALITY STANDARDS
ONLY PREMIUM QUALITY BEADS ARE PLACED INSIDE OF STARLEENS SETS.
CLEARANCE STOCK
Beads in the clearance section are the result of the following reasons:
~ Prototype trials of new color combinations or techniques not perfected.
~ Perfect quality Orphans from sets find a home inside of clearance bags.
~ One off designs & demo beads.
~ Remainder components from custom orders.
~ Discontinuation of certain patterns, style types, or color combinations.
~ Returned items cannot be resold per studio policy. Some are donated to charity; others are 
placed in the clearance bags.
~ A bead fell short of making the basic cut: large bubbles, seeded bubbles, scorched dichroic,
imperfect shape attempts.
Clearance should never be confused with selling trash. There are some standards here. Every bead sold is kiln annealed and cleaned, even clearance stock. Clearance beads/bags will never contain sharp edges, cracks, repaired scratches/nicks, or broken sculpture.
Product Guarantee & Quality Assurance
"Annealing is an art form in and of itself... You can make beautiful objects, but unless one understands the technical aspects of annealing an object based on shape, mass, and glass type, the work it pointless as it will never stand the test of time". ~ Starleen
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE. Beads purchased are guaranteed for LIFE against manufacturing defects. We believe in quality, not mediocre mass produced product that cuts corners. Production grade work adheres to all the same handling standards as a gallery grade object.
Your beads have been kiln annealed in one of three 24 x 24 x 24 inch solid brick annealer. The digital controller unit used is intelligent. Unit dials our cell phones and alarms if power is ever interrupted or a mechanical error occurs, which would compromise product quality. The studio does not batch anneal any product. ANNEALING FOLLOWS ALL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXACT MASS, SHAPE, AND GLASS TYPE OF EACH OBJECT TO ENSURE STRUCTURAL SOUNDNESS. This means a solid round bead should not crack, period... They are durable heirloom quality artisan creations. LIFETIME GUARANTEE holds against either the life of the owner or the creator/artist... Guarantee does not apply to sculptured objects that have been dropped. Also, abuse such as exterior scratches, chips or nicks are not guaranteed so KEEP BEADS AWAY FROM ABRASIVES, CLEANERS, AND NAIL FILES! SALT WATER IS AN ABRASIVE THAT WILL RUIN JEWELRY OF ALL KINDS AND DULL GLASS. If a manufacturing defect is encountered, contact the studio as outlined in our returns policy to arrange for a prompt return.
