Where do you think you will find the biggest selection and the best prices for jewelry supplies? If you are interested in making your own jewelry, knowing where to get the materials you need is a critical component to your success. It is easy to find jewelry supplies in a variety of locations these days, but not every source is as good as the other. In fact, some are a complete waste of time and money. Let’s break down your choices.
Big Box Craft Stores
There is no shortage of big craft stores and it can be tempting to get your supplies there. They offer a reasonable selection in their jewelry making department and the prices are affordable, but this is a case of getting what you pay for. Most of the materials you find are poorly made. Plastics are cast to look like stones, metals are, at best plated, and chances are they won’t last long once you start wearing your creations. Location and convenience are your biggest advantages here.
Boutique Stores
There is little doubt that you will find a reasonable selection and good quality at a boutique store. Bead stores are quite popular at this time and that means you can walk in, pick up a tray, and start shopping. When you have pulled together everything you wanted, you can select the cording or chain you desire, pick a clasp, and sit down right away to put your new jewelry together. On the other hand, the size of the store will limit the availability of unique pieces.
One of the hardest things to deal with in a boutique store is the price. These stores have significant overhead and only one source of income. While this is a good place to take a few lessons and perhaps pick up emergency supplies, it probably isn’t your best bet when you want quality and affordability.
Flea Markets and Thrift Stores
Believe it or not, these venues are a great place to pick up older jewelry that you can take apart and reuse in your own creations. Costume jewelry from ages past often contain lovely, unique stones, clasps, and beads that can be repurposed inexpensively. Take some time to educate yourself about what you will see and how much it should cost. While you can’t count on this source for consistency, the occasional treasure does turn up and the prices can’t be beat.
Internet Purveyors of Jewelry Supplies
When it comes to quantity and selection, you won’t beat the Internet. Prices are exceptional as well, since the competition is fierce and overhead is low. You have access to materials from around the world at the tips of your fingers. If you can imagine it, chances are you will find it here.
The catch with purchasing anything online is not knowing who you are dealing with at the other end of that connection. This is why spending some time in Jewelry Making forums chatting with other individuals really pays off. No news is good news when you search reviews for a particular seller online. Make sure you do some checking before you place a sizable order, or place a small order first and see how things go.
It won’t take long to develop a good relationship with one or two suppliers who are reliable and provide you the quality you deserve.
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