You're right--half the attraction of beadwork is exactly that whole reflection/refraction thing. What I mount this on, and the ambient lighting, will both make a difference in how it looks.

There are Japanese beads called Delicas, available in perfectly uniform size, matching finishes (all opaque, all translucent, etc.) and a huge range of colors. The end result is a perfect, almost machine-like piece of beadwork. My life would be easier if I'd just give in to Delicas, but I can't help it--I prefer the uncertainties and the more textured, "primitive" look that comes from mixing Czech, Japanese and French beads.

Every now and then I'd hit on the ideal combination of design and palette, and that was what kept me exploring beadwork for so many years.