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Drops and Ovals

Czech pressed glass drops and ovals: Preciosa pips, flat drops, villa drops, spears, thorns, spikes, daggers and small top-hole drops. Most are made by Preciosa Ornela in the Czech Republic.

A pip is Preciosa's leaf- or petal-shaped bead with a single hole at the top, and it measures 5x7 mm. Shaped beads are listed by two measurements, such as 5x16 mm spears. Glass can vary slightly in color between production runs, so buy enough from one lot.

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Drops and Ovals

Good to know

  • Made by Preciosa Ornela in the Czech Republic; Shipwreck Beads is an authorized Preciosa dealer.
  • A pip is Preciosa's leaf- or petal-shaped pressed bead with a single top hole, 5x7 mm.
  • Shaped beads are listed by two measurements, such as 5x16 mm.
  • Most Czech glass beads take 22–20 gauge wire (0.6–0.8 mm); always test your bead.
  • Preciosa pressed glass is lead-free except colors 71000 and 71010.
  • Glass color can vary slightly between production runs, so buy enough from one lot.

Questions & answers

What is a pip bead?

A Preciosa pressed glass bead shaped like a leaf or petal, with a single hole at the top. Preciosa pips measure 5x7 mm.

How are Czech glass beads measured?

Across the widest point of the bead, in millimeters. Natural properties of glass can cause slight color variation between production runs, so buy enough from one lot for a project.

What wire gauge fits Czech glass beads?

Czech pressed glass beads typically take 22 to 20 gauge wire (0.6–0.8 mm). Hole sizes vary, so test with your bead before cutting a lot of wire.

Are Preciosa pressed glass beads lead-free?

Yes, with two exceptions: Preciosa colors 71000 and 71010. Preciosa glass beads also passed EN 71-3 heavy-metal migration testing in February 2025 (Test Report No. 9782).

Ages 16+. Not intended for use by children. Contains small parts that can be a choking hazard.

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