A bead is a small decorative object, usually round in shape, with a hole through its center. It is commonly used in jewelry-making or for decorative purposes. Full definition
Furthermore the division of labour in the writing, with each author taking responsibility for different chapters, has produced a book akin to a strand of beads of very different shapes and sizes. (newscientist.com)
In a recent baby welcoming ceremony that I attended, a new mother was blessed with beads with which she could decorate her new baby's carrier. (breastfeedingtoday-llli.org)
If you had a certain number of beads on your pipe cleaner you can count them. (powerfulmothering.com)