What size cord or leather fits through large hole gemstone beads?
You can use a variety of stringing materials with large hole gemstone beads — including leather, wire, hemp, or thicker cords. Most Dakota Stones large hole beads feature a 2.0–2.5mm drill size, making them perfect for 2mm or smaller cords.
If you’re working with wire, choose 12-gauge or smaller for the best fit. This size range gives designers the freedom to create with stronger, more substantial materials while maintaining an easy, secure fit.
How are large hole gemstone beads different from regular gemstone beads?
Our large hole gemstone beads are drilled between 2.0 and 2.5mm, giving you room to design with leather, wire, hemp, or any thicker cord you love working with.
Dakota’s regular gemstone beads have a hole size of approximately .8 to 1.0mm. That may be reduced to .5mm for smaller beads under 4mm in size. For the perfect fit, stick with 2mm or smaller cords or 12-gauge or thinner wire. That sweet spot gives you a strong, comfortable hold without forcing the fit.
Whether you’re knotting rustic leather wraps or sliding stones onto a bold cord, these beads are made to give your designs more freedom — and a lot more attitude.
What are the best jewelry designs to make with large hole gemstone beads?
Large hole gemstone beads are made for designers who like to get creative. Their bigger drill size opens up endless possibilities from leather wrap bracelets and macramé necklaces to knotted chokers and multi-strand cord designs.
They slide beautifully onto thicker leather, hemp, or satin cord, letting you build pieces with real texture and movement. Try mixing metals, layering strands, or using a single statement bead on a rustic cord for a clean, modern look. They will work on a lot of popular interchangeable jewelry brands as well.
At Dakota Stones, we think of large hole beads as the bridge between classic gemstone beauty and bold, hands-on design a small change that makes a big impact on your style.