Q for jewelry makers: How do they put holes in really tiny beads?

Question

I'm making some jewelry and using small, round beads made of jasper, quartz, agate, etc. Does anyone know how they drill such small holes? Are there actually drill bits that tiny, or do they use lasers or what?

Answer 1

They are drillied with diamond bits, usually before they are rolled into beads. They cut cylinders, drill them and then cut and tumbled into beads. Some finer pieces are individually jug drilled. Remember that the holes are rough insie usually, that is why they will cut normal thread etc.
ENJOY!!

Been doing lapidary work many years

Answer 2

I would like to know also