Faceted crystal and glass pearls are ordered by color number. These are the supplier's charts: simply indicate the number alongside the rosary reference.
The color number goes alongside the rosary reference. Beads are available in 6 mm or 8 mm; the color is independent of the diameter.
Faceted crystal
references 1 to 218
Faceted crystal
references 241 to 450
Glass pearl
references 01 to 80
How to order a color
By number, never by name. "Blue" means nothing when there are thirty blues on the chart; the number is unambiguous. When ordering, the color goes alongside the rosary reference: faceted crystal rosary, color 137, 8 mm bead. If the order needs to match a corporate color or that of a confraternity, the practical approach is to request a sample first and compare it in person.
Faceted crystal
This is the widest range in the catalog: 218 references in the first chart and the continuation up to 450 in the second. The faceted cutting causes the bead to reflect light from many angles, so a crystal rosary can be seen from a distance. There are transparent, opaque, marbled, and pearlescent finishes, allowing for precise matching: a reasonable equivalent can usually be found for a confraternity color without needing anything custom-made.
Glass pearl
Eighty references, featuring the classic pearlescent finish. This is what is requested for First Holy Communion —white and ivory make up the majority of orders—, although the chart covers the full color range and works just as well in dark tones for an adult rosary. The pearl has less shine than crystal and a more discreet appearance.
Color and diameter are separate things
Every bead is available in 6 mm or 8 mm, and this choice is independent of the color: any number on the chart can be ordered in both diameters. It is always advisable to state both when ordering, as they are the two variables that cannot be deduced from the model reference.
Combining two colors
Alternating a color on the Our Father beads is an inexpensive and striking feature. It is common practice to use the same shade in a darker version, or to switch from crystal to pearl while keeping within the same range. Wood and natural stone are also combined when something more sober is desired. What usually does not work is mixing three colors: the rosary loses unity and becomes cluttered.
Color fidelity on screen
These charts are photographs of the supplier's physical color charts. They serve for selection and for providing the number, but no screen reproduces a color with complete accuracy. For a large order, or when a shade must match something specific, the €50 sample and fifteen-day wait is the way to be sure.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I indicate the color in my order?
- By the chart number, not by the shade name. The number is unambiguous; "blue" is not.
- How many colors are there?
- In faceted crystal, up reference 450 across both charts. In glass pearls, 80 references.
- Does the color depend on the bead size?
- No. Any color is available in 6 mm and 8 mm. These are two independent choices, and both must be indicated in the order.
- Are the screen colors accurate?
- They serve for selection and for providing the number, but no screen reproduces a color with complete accuracy. If the shade must match something specific, it is advisable to request a sample.
- Can two colors be combined in the same rosary?
- Yes, and this is standard practice for marking the Our Father beads. What usually does not work is mixing three.