What about this for a bead? It was made by Sabine of Little Castle Designs. One of those things that I saw and just had to have.

It’s about 3 cm across and 1 cm thick. What to do with it? Well, I’m already well into making the piece, so I know. But I’ll leave you to think about what it might be.
(oh, OK, I'm making a pendant….. of sorts)
(oh, OK, I'm making a pendant….. of sorts)