Which gold bead to buy?

I was after advice please I've been ebaying myself silly to gather enough funds to buy a piece of gold. The only problem I have is that my LD doesn't stock any gold so they would have to order it in specially for me. The beads I'm liking are Endless, Lotus, Drum and Royal but I've got no idea of the sizes of the beads or how they look on a bracelet. I'd really appreciate thoughts and info on these beads and how they look. Many thanks

Endless is a classic simple design and a nice size. Lotus is very versatile as it can be used on the end of a bracelet (but I like balance so I put another one on the other end) or on a Fantasy Necklace just above the pearl. Drum is a very small bead. Royal is also a classic but detailed design and a nice size. If it were me, I would not invest in a gold drum and I would want two of the Lotus, so I would be left trying to decide between Endless and Royal. There are pictures somewhere of a gold Endless in bracelets, so I would search to see if I could find them to help me decide.

I would go for endless but that is personel i love that bead

I'd choose the Endless; I think you get a lot more bang for your buck!

I have two of the ones you mentioned, gold endless and the Lotus. Endless was given to me by my DH for our 20th wedding anniversary, that's why it means the world to me, but to be honest?... I'd go for Royal. Endless is a classic and timeless style, but for me it always feels awkard on a bracelet. It looks nice, but feels strange, I don't know how to describe it.
Have you ever considered the Lucky Knot in gold? That's my favourite of the smaller gold beads.
Here are my gold beads on a bracelet, so you can see for yourself!

http://www.beadthrilled.com/t6500-posh-mossy-and-pink

Lucky knot is awesome to

I would go for Endless as its not to small for the money, all gold beads seem to look small
for the money you have to pay for them. I would just say make sure you pick a bead you really want if you are paying for gold.

I have just had Lucky Knot, its my favorite to of the small golds

The ones you've mentioned are also available in silver. Maybe you can try them in a combo at your LD, just to find out how it works for you?
The drum is rather tiny, so I'd go for Endless, Royal or Lotus - or would consider Lucky Knot.
This has been my first gold and if I had to chose again - I'd go for it again.
Endless in silver has never been an option for me - but it looks great in gold.

Thanks so much for all your thoughts

I hadn't considered the Lucky Knot before...another bead to add to the mix

Murmaidspurse your bracelet is fab and is making my decision harder as they all look so good

Fleur - great idea to try in silver first I just wouldn't have thought of doing that

I own 3 of the four beads that you mention...
My favourite is Endless but Royal looks like "more" gold....
The Lotus I tend to only use on my FN.

What ever bead you decide on, just make sure that you get it before the price increase!

As a silver bead I prefer Endless, but I think Royal just suits gold better. Lucky knot is also lovely in gold.

I've ordered my bead...I didn't have quite enough in my paypal in the end for a gold bead (Steffans half price beads depleted my fund) so I'm getting the Daisy instead It looks like a nice chunky bead and perfect for summer bracelets

Congrats on your choice.
Daisy is a very nice and impressive bead.
Please post pics when it will have arrived.

I will like to see your daisy also I think I will like to get it. I have gold beads wich I dont like so much I like the gold and silver best.

I think you've made a good choice - I'm not usually a flowery person but I do think Daisy looks lovely on bracelets.

I just got Daisy too and it is a gorgeous substantial bead, I hope you love it as much as I do! Congrats!

As soon as it arrives I'll post a pic (that's if I suss out how to post a pic)

I love the daisy; it was at the top of my wishlist since I started collecting TBs in the early 2000s. I finally was able to get it last year and I love it so much!

Daisy is a great bad - I am sure you are happy with it