Chinese bead lore is copious, and might take days or weeks to tell....

When in Beijing, visit Liu Li Chong (street) where the "antiquities" market is; and also Hung Chow market—a sort of shopping-mall-in-a-building. I understand this has changed emphasis recently. When I was there, a whole floor was devoted to beads of all sorts. I think it may be pearl costume jewelry now. But anyway, there will be some beads at this place.

Have fun. Jamey