Where is the best place to buy beads online?

As a jewellery artist, I regularly get asked where I buy my beads. Like many jewellery artists, I use multiple sources for most of my projects. There is no one source that I go to all the time. These are the resources that I use the most often. I've included advantages and disadvantages for most of these venues as well as a few other things to keep in mind when purchasing beads. Happy shopping!

Art Beads

This is my favourite web site for ordering devices and tools. I know that a lot of people prefer Fire Mountain Gems. If you place large volume orders with lots of bulk items frequently, Fire Mountain is the place to go. I don't so Art Beads suits my needs better. Art Beads offers free shipping on all orders of $10 or more. The two sites don't have identical inventory so it's worth searching both and comparing prices before purchasing anything from either site.

Fire Mountain Gems

Fire Mountain offers flat rate shipping (with some shipping and handling charges). They also offer a Mix and Match Pricing option so you can take advantage of their bulk prices for ANY orders with X amount of eligible items. Again, if you are placing large orders, this is the place to go. I have been pleased with the quality of the items that I've ordered there.

Fusion Beads

I've used Fusion Beads for a few speciality items that I couldn't find anywhere else. They offer free shipping. Typically their prices are a little higher than Art Beads, which is why I don't shop there more often. They have a larger selection of Japanese seed beads (in various sizes AND shapes) than Art Beads or Fire Mountain so if you're hunting for triangles, hexes, drops, tiles, etc., head over there.

Bead-a-Holique

If you shop on eBay and/or Etsy, you can find Bead-a-Holique on both of these sites. They also have their own site. Free shipping is available for orders of $25 or more through the main site so keep that in mind for larger orders. I've used Bead-a-Holique for size 6/0 Czech beads, which I simply haven't found on any other large online supplier.

Etsy

Etsy is a great venue for handmade jewellery components such as lampwork beads and ceramic buttons. Although I don't have the funds to splurge for these items regularly, I enjoy doing so once in a while. I encourage you to do the same. My favourite handmade jewellery component sellers on Etsy include blueseraphim, artisan clay, LisaPetersArt, and alishawhite. There are some wonderful bead suppliers there as well. My favourite bead supplier is Shannon at beadsandbabble.

Beadsnfashion

Beadsnfashion.com is an online platform to not only just buy jewellery, but to understand it, and live it like you've owned that piece since forever. This platform would be acting like a betwixt in your goals and the market at reasonable prices. You not only get to buy some customized jewellery of your choice, but you also get to learn how to make one

eBay

There are numerous bead suppliers on eBay. Generally, I try to stick with US bead suppliers. eBay has a huge international supply base as well. Overall I have had decent experiences with Chinese suppliers, but the quality of the items is generally cheaper than that of the items that I've purchased from the US. Two of my favourite sellers are "jetbeadjewelrysupplies" and "simply pie" (the latter of whom also has a smaller shop on Etsy).

The Beadin' Path

I've shopped with The Beadin' Path because they used to have a large supply of Czech dagger beads at competitive prices. Sadly they don't anymore, but it's still a good site. They offer free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Their speciality items include a wide variety of Lucite and vintage beads.

BeadBuddies.net

I ordered from Bead Buddies a couple times during 2010 for wire supplies. Wire wrapping is not my speciality so I don't use this site frequently, but they have a wonderful, reasonably priced wire. Their selection is one of the best I've seen anywhere online. If you are looking for tough to find sizes or varieties, check them out. Shipping charges are reasonable.

Michael's

I've been a huge fan of Michael's since I was little. I've been buying beads there ever since I started stringing beads back in elementary school. I still shop there fairly regularly for beads (as well as anything else that might happen to tempt me...the possibilities are endless). Among other things, they have a good selection of shell beads, gemstone beads and other jewellery components (i.e. doughnuts), Czech glass beads strands, and silver-plated findings. I have NOT been impressed with Hobby Lobby's bead supplies the way that I have been with Michael's. (Side note: Hobby Lobby does have good craft storage supplies.) Watch for Michael's bead sales and general store coupons. You will almost always be able to save something on your purchase there with a coupon. If you don't subscribe to a newspaper, you can still print coupons from their website.

Amazon

If you use any bead weaving techniques, I'm sure that you've heard of Fireline. If you haven't, you can learn more about it I don't use it because I prefer nylon thread, but many bead weavers swear by it. It's a fishing line that has become widely popular as a beading thread. Do NOT get suckered into buying a small spool for $7 or more from a craft store or beading website. Even if you are looking for a small quantity so you can experiment with it before making a bigger investment, you can get a better price elsewhere. Many big-box stores such as Wal-Mart as well as sporting goods/outdoor supply stores such as Outdoor World carry Fireline in large spools. I know several beaders who order it from Amazon as well. I've linked a few Fireline products through Amazon at the end of this hub. Most places that do carry it stock a variety of thicknesses.

Local Bead Stores

Hopefully, you live in an area that has a good selection of locally owned craft stores. My favourite place for local craft stores in the Chicago area where I grew up. Some favourites there include Caravan, Bead in Hand, and Beadnik's. I do shop online for several resources because the prices and/or selection are better there. But I do shop for what I can locally when the prices are competitive. I don't think that I have to emphasize that it's important to support local businesses.

Trade Shows

There are several trade shows devoted to beading and bead resources. Two of the largest ones in the US are The Tucson Bead Show (annually in February in Tucson, AZ) and The Bead & Button Show (annually in June in Milwaukee, WI). If you don't live near either of these shows, research other trade shows in your area. In addition to purchasing all of the beading supplies that you'll ever need (and more), you can also take classes and talk to and network with any number of bead suppliers and artists.

Craft Fairs

Just about every area of the country has several local craft fairs. These shows can range quite a bit in size and scope. Craft fairs can be a wonderful place to pick up unique handmade components directly from the artists.

Resale Stores/Estate Sales/Etc.

Second-hand jewellery is a great resource when you're interested in buying pieces that you can take apart and re-purpose. You never know when you'll find a deeply discounted necklace with real pearls but an aged thread. There's no reason that you can't use those pearls for one of your own projects.

A final note: buying bulk/wholesale

Whenever it is appropriate to do, buy in bulk or wholesale. This is not to say that you shouldn't splurge on handmade components or another one of kind items. I support this wholeheartedly. It is also completely appropriate to buy small quantities of items when you only need small quantities. It does not save you money to buy large amounts of supplies that you don't need. However, when you will be using a large amount of any crafting supply, look for a good deal on it.

Anything else you'd like to see here? Let me know!

Source of Content: Some of the Best Resources for Purchasing Beads Online