Cheapest site to get stones and beads??

[paysensmom]

Looking for a reliable site that has reasonable prices for stones and beads. I have started a side hobby of making jewelry and it is expensive!

Thanks

 

[kellijo]

My mom and I make jewelry as a hobby. Here are some sites we use (we also have several stores in the DFW metroplex that are great):

auntiesbeads.com
artbead.com
beaducation.com
fundametals.net
jewelrysupply.com

Those a few we have used.
Have fun with your new hobby! It is addicting

 

[dizneechic]

Yes it can get very expensive!!! As someone who does this as a component of my home biz, I feel your pain! A few places I use:
http://www.firemountaingems.com/ Great for larger volume orders as they do assorted pricing discounts based on units ordered.
http://www.artbeads.com/ LOVE the free shipping no matter the size of the order. I will say it can be slower at busy times of the year so anywhere around a "jewelry gifting" type of holiday I will upgrade to priority mail and it usually makes it really fast.
http://www.brightlingsbeads.com/ Again, a free ship place, don't use them as often but sometimes they have pieces I need that the others don't.
http://www.rings-things.com/ Often have funky things and blanks if you do any metal stamping.
http://www.beaducation.com/shop/ Another random one that is great one for metal blanks & supplies, their tools are great!

And honestly I use local mom and pop bead shops a LOT. There are some things I need in bulk that I buy online, as well as most metals and findings, but for unique beads or to check out something just a little different the mom and pops are the best! Also you can look for beading shows that travel. Rings and Things I know is one who I get mailings from all the time when they are in the area. Those are great to go to so you can check out stuff and shop or even just find a few new vendors that aren't web based but still allow you to shop via the phone.

 

[mena292]

Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of beading! I also buy beas at the above mentioned sites but use etsy and ebay for beads and findings. On ebay search listing for bead lots and on etsy search bead destash. Different terms, same concept. Many people are liquidating now after the first of the year. You can get a huge lot of mixed items and then use what you like and resell or donate the rest or pass it on to other beader friends like I do! I also used to participate in beader swaps with people on boards like this, I believe there was one on here in the hobbies forum. It was a fun way to get rid of some of the things you bought and never used or something you have left over. Feel free to PM me for info! Welcome to the craft! Missy

 

[paysensmom]

Thank you so much for your guidance! It is very overwhelming. I don't even know what types of beads I have. I thought they were stained stones mainly, but I can't even find them on those sites. Maybe they have another name I don't know about?
Thanks so much!!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I also look for jewelry at yard sales that I can take apart and use the pieces to make something else. I was at one house with a person who was getting out of beading and bought everything she had for 10.00. She had many packages of unopened swarovski crystals. That was most definitely the best find I've ever had at a garage sale.

I go to several bead shows and pick up some items there but it is expensive. I love getting things that aren't available in the local stores though.

I hit the sale areas at www.firemountaingems.com and have gotten some nice deals. I also like etsy.com.

I love to bead. I made my sisters and Mom earrings for Christmas this year. It was fun.