How can I tell the difference between vintage glass beads and plastic?

The easiest way to tell if a bead is glass or plastic is to feel it. Glass beads will be cooler to the touch, whereas plastic beads will be closer to room temperature and warm up quickly in your hands. Another test you can perform is to listen to the sound. Glass has a distinctive ring since it’s harder whereas plastic is softer and has a duller sound. Shop a range of vintage glass bead pieces on 1stDibs.