Looking for nice beads, where can I find some for cheap decent prices?

Question

I want to star making some beaded jewelry. I've been looking on ebay but are there any other places I could buy cool beads in lots and individually? I would prefer websites, but if you know any places in central jersey area, that would be cool, too. If you're from jersey, does Englishtown flea market have any vendors?

Answer 1

http://firemountain.com great selection and good prices.

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Answer 2

There are many places on the internet to buy from, including eBay. One of my favorite sellers on eBay is Pizzaz Works...another is GeriJean's.

You can also join a bulk buying group on Yahoo Groups...try Beading Supply, BBB, Vickies, or BaM....there are more but you will find them.

LBS's and Fire Mountain, Hobby Lobby, etc are all retail, and are expensicve without buying power. Also try looking at Borders or and bookstore or grocery store where magazines are sold...You can find TONS of sellers in thevarious bead and jewelry magazines there........I will add some links below for some others to start too..

Answer 3

for unique beads, try 2nd hand--goodwill.com is supposed to have odd lots that will produce interesting beads. Thrift stores, garage sales, etc. Not bulk, I will admit. But you can get older beads that aren't made anymore.
For online sources, pick up a copy of Bead & Button or BeadStyle magazines--they have ads from legit places, & a partial list of suppliers by state. Fire Mountain is good--good quality findings, too.
If you can find local suppliers (also in your phone book), you can check if there will be any bead shows in your area to attend. That will give you new sources to check out.
Bear in mind that the cost will always depend on material. Glass beads 95% of the time will cost more than plastic. I started with plastic, but since moved into glass & I can sell them at higher rates, too.

Answer 4

It can get expensive depending on how serious you are about it. I've seen the glass beads for about $2 for 5 and then up on. Way up sometimes. even selling for $15 a piece. Now it doesn't sound like a lot but you figure you'd need at least 30 for a bracelet, plus the wire and clasps. And then assuming you are making more than just 1 or 2. I guess it depends on how serious you are about your hobby and what selling opportunities you will pursue. If you check Etsy you'd see that it's a very saturated market....

Answer 5

If there's a Hobby Lobby near you, that's a good place to go for beads, findings, and even sterling findings. If not, you can find them at www.hobbylobby.com/catalog/catalog.cfm. They run great specials frequently and send flyers via email with a special internet coupon weekly. With serious purchases, (and low minimums) I've found Abeada Corp (www.Abeada.com) and South Pacific Wholesale Co. (www.beading.com) to have good quality & prices, large selections and fast, personable service. However, they only sell wholesale to licensed operations.

Answer 6

I sell on a website that is strictly for handcrafted items. It has tons of unique handmade beads by different sellers. They come in all sizes,shapes, colors, and prices.

Go to: www.etsy.com
Typed in search: "beads" or lower reasults by typing in specific types...i.e. "glass beads", "ceramic beads", "wood beads".

Not only are the beads beautiful and one of a kind, but you also get to help support independent crafters and artists.

Answer 7

What about buying old bead jewelry from like an op shop and reusing the beads?

**GREAT OZ DEBATE**
http://greatozdebateDOTforumsvibe.com/

Answer 8

Try World of beads and crystals at: http://cyberselect.com/beads

Answer 9

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Answer 10

try www.jewelrysupply.com.
Fabulous beads of all types, even crystals, and FREE SHIPPING for any size of order.

Answer 11

Hi Dani,
Try www.orientaltradingcompany.com

Great deals
great prices
great finds

Good hunting