These beads are expertly faceted with clean, sharp edges leading to a lovely sparkle. I have to say, these lapis beads have a beautiful, dark color and good uniformity of color within the strand. They exhibit that royal luster that we all treasure in lapis. Each strand is approximately 16 inches long and contains an average of 65 beads. These beads are temporarily strung, ready for you to restring into your own fabulous creation.