The beads look like exactly what they are...plastic.  there aren't enough strands of beads to make it look "full" so overall the light looks pretty cheap.  and it is BRUTAL to have to string every singly strand down to the ball at the bottom.  Took awhile to lay them all out and then hook them.  it was super annoying.  I know everything is more expensive right now but I have to say this light just isnt worth the price I paid.