The beads are quite strong. They will chip if you drop them on ceramic tile, but not on concrete or wood. You also have to be a little careful around the holes with tools, I have chipped the glaze off the edge of the hole, when I've gotten my tools a little too close. They are not like raku beads which easily chip. I've been making and wearing bracelets with them for about a year, and have not had any problems or complaints.