If you are talking about beads you may want to consider buying a Dremel, particularly if the problem you are facing involves a bead that is supposed to hang like a pendent or the bead just isn't drilled at one end. Another thing might be happening is that you ae buying irregular beads or the blockage is natural
Use rough and polished stones. Medium cut rough stones are ideal for mosaic pieces. Smaller, polished stones are great for embellishments. Popular stones include agate, amethyst, hematite, onyx, and quartz.