Are you ready to progress from pre-assembled kits to purchasing bulk jewelry-making supplies for your own designs? Shopping for supplies in bulk can be overwhelming. It’s easy to end up overpaying if you don’t know what you’re looking for or how to shop. We’re here to break it down for you, ensuring you get the most out of your beading supplies investment with these tips for those new to purchasing wholesale jewelry supplies.
Take Stock of Your Tools
Your jewelry making school or crafting kit may have supplied all of the jewelry making tools necessary to complete each project. However, once you branch out on your own, you’ll need to source the tools required to complete each task.
Plan Your Projects
Sketch or create a diagram of your designs, noting what components you’ll need, including product numbers. Keeping these diagrams on hand will help you easily recreate customer favorites later.
Consider Future Production
If you plan on making several of the same jewelry design, take stock of your future plans. Purchasing these jewelry supplies all at once will get you the best possible pricing, uncovering the quantity discount that will work best: 10 for $10, 20 for $15, etc. Purchasing a large order for multiple items, all at once, will also help you save on shipping. Whenever possible take the photos of jewelry you making to re make again of the popular selling items.
Make a Supply List
When it’s time to put your order together, make a supply list, including the product number and quantity of each jewelry supply you need. Research order quantity discounts. For instance, buying Shamballa beads wholesale typically offers significant savings over minimum or by-the-piece order quantities.
Watch Your Budget
Economize when you can. Have you chosen several gauges of wire when just a few would do? Could you purchase standard, frequently used supplies like sterling silver beads for jewelry making in quantity now, enjoying significant savings over time? Keep careful track of what you spend to accurately price your designs later, whether you use a simple spreadsheet or a special software program.
Find a Reputable Jewelry Supplies Wholesaler
The best suppliers will offer premium items such as crystal beads wholesaleat a quantity discount – not low-quality knockoffs. Purchasing from Wholesale jewelry suppliers is always more cost-effective than shopping at retail stores. When you compare online suppliers, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples to avoid buyer’s remorse. Don’t pick the first Amazon listing or Google shopping link you see. There are a lot of imposters out there.
Consider Quality Control
The best retailers have stringent quality control standards. They stand by the quality of their supplies and are knowledgeable about precise specs, such as gold and silver content and construction. Specifications will be clearly listed on each item, such as .925 sterling silver – not a “silver” color description lacking composition details. Trustworthy suppliers want to build relationships, serving you throughout your career.
Start your next beading adventure off on the right foot. Shop the wide selection of quality jewelry making supplies at Crystal Findings bead supply dealer today.
The composition of gold-filled beads can be confusing for customers. Misconceptions abound, leading to improper handling and disappointment with jewelry designs made from these popular beads. What does “gold-filled” really mean? In this segment, we’ll break down common questions, taking the mystery out of gold-filled beads to help you make the best jewelry supply choice for your beading designs.
How are Gold-Filled Beads Made?
Gold-filled beads and gold-filled name plates feature a layered construction. They may be single-clad, featuring a single layer of gold on one side; double-clad, with gold on surface layers of two sides; or wire-clad, surrounding the material. A copper core is typically used. Gold is bonded by heat and pressure.
How Can I Tell the Difference Between Gold-Filled & Solid Gold?
Gold-filled items must be clearly labeled as such. Shortened 12kt or 14kt descriptions should not be used, as this is confusing and implies a solid gold content. It is illegal/deceptive to refer to gold-filled items as simply “gold.” Reputable retailers selling bulk jewelry making supplies clearly distinguish these two products.
What’s the Difference Between Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated?
Gold-plating is not the same as gold-filled. Plated products feature a very thin layer of gold which does not compose a measurable portion of its total weight. Gold-plated products have little protection and do not stand up to heat, water, or friction, wearing quickly.
Why Are Some Gold-Filled Products Different Colors?
As more manufacturers enter the global market and customer preferences shift, you may see variations from the typical “Hamilton” industry standard gold color, including tawny, yellow, and darker tones.
Do Gold-Filled Beads Tarnish?
Gold-filled beads rarely tarnish due to the thick layer of gold applied to the copper beneath. However, in rare instances of sulfide exposure it may blacken. This highly unusual occurrence can happen in extremely polluted shipping docks, in nail salons with high concentrations of chemical fumes, and in places where fire damage has occurred.
Why Can’t I Find Gold-Filled Charms?
Gold-filled beads feature a layered construction. Charms are cast, and cannot be made gold-filled, as this process involves melting metal materials. Attempting to create a charm this way would produce a big, mixed melted blob of copper and gold.
Why Can’t I Find Gold-Filled Solder?
Gold-filled solder does not exist. Though you may find 14kt gold solder elsewhere, soldering gold-filled jewelry is not recommended. It requires specialized laser welding equipment and training. Attempting to do so can result in dark solder stains and exposed copper, which becomes easily tarnished.
Are Some People Allergic to Gold-Filled Jewelry?
Individuals who react to gold alloys will also react to gold-filled beads.
Are you looking for quality wholesale beading supplies in the USA? You can rest assured, our gold-filled beads and findings deliver superior quality. Shop the extensive inventory at Crystal Findings today.
Shopping for gold beads and findings can be frustrating, especially for those new to jewelry making. How can you tell quality, lasting beads from those that will quickly tarnish and wear? “Gold jewelry” can mean any number of things. In this segment, we’ll break down the differences so you can be sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Why There’s a Big Difference in Cost Between Gold Jewelry
The term “gold” can mean a lot of things when you’re shopping for jewelry making supplies. Gold can be used to describe the color of beads as well as the composition. That’s why the makeup of gold beads should always be disclosed. Without this information, you have no idea what you’re getting.
Types of Gold Beads
Solid Gold Beads
You’d think 22 or 24 kt solid gold beads would be ideal. But despite the high value of solid gold beads, they may not be the best choice for lasting jewelry due to the softness of the metal. Other options offer a more practical alternative for everyday wear.
Gold-filled Beads
Gold-filled beads are a high-quality and lasting alternative to solid gold. They hold 100 times more gold than plated beads, with a gold alloy content of 5%, compared to 0.5% for plated beads. Using gold-filled beads, you can create today’s hottest jewelry trends without stressing about the cost. Far more affordable yet still valuable, gold-filled beads won’t tarnish or turn colors, or cause skin reactions in most people. Gold-filled beads are created by bonding a thick layer of 12 or 14 kt gold to another metal such as copper or brass or base metal. This layer is so thick most jewelry can be worn daily for up to 30 years without fading. Gold-filled jewelry is typically stamped with its gold content alongside the claps. (Beads are not stamped) Buying from Crystal Findings as shown in the website or in catalog, you do get Gold-Filled beads, findings or ready to wear gold-filled beaded jewelry.
Gold Plated Beads
Gold plated beads are inexpensively made by depositing a very thin layer of gold over less precious metals like steel ot similar economical metal alloys beads or findings. At 1/1000 to 3/1000 of an inch, this layer does not last long, leading gold-plated jewelry to fade and tarnish quickly. Skin reactions and staining can occur with some poorly constructed beads. Gold plated jewelry will not have a quality mark, only a brand name stamp, if any.
Which Type of Beads are Right for My Jewelry Making Project?
Crystal Findings offers an amazing selection of premium gold-filled beads and findings, including:
Plain, corrugated, twisted, and fancy round gold filled beads
Create luxurious, lasting jewelry without breaking the bank. Shop the wide selection of gold-filled beads at Crystal Findings. Contact us to place an order or to learn more about our wide selection of premium wholesale jewelry-making supplies today.
These shimmery charm bracelets are impossibly easy and inexpensive to make. They are the perfect gift for any occasion, accenting a variety of clothing styles from everyday casual to evening and formal wear. Keep your jewelry design simple and classic with our sterling silver beads and findings, or dress them up with our stunning Swarovski crystal pendants. Prefer a warmer tone? Don’t be afraid to go for the gold!
7 strand cable wire or Soft Flex .019 or .024 49 strand wire.
2 x smasher pliers
Cutters
Beaded bracelet assembly instructions:
Place a crimp bead on one end of the beading wire, using your smasher pliers to crush and hold it in place.
Thread the charm on, followed by 11 stardust beads to fill half the bracelet. Follow with 3 seed or spacer beads on the end.
Place a crimp bead on that end of the wire.
Take your jump ring with one pair of pliers, with the split facing up in the middle. Use the other pliers to hold the opposite side. Open, pulling one side of the jump ring toward you while pushing the other away.
Take the loop end of the lobster clasp, threading on the ring. Close it in the reverse method of opening, taking care there is no overlap.
For the other half of the bracelet, place another crimp bead on the wire following the seed/spacer beads.
Take the clasp and jump ring you constructed, feed the wire through the jump ring, and then bend it back toward and through the crimp bead, feeding the wire through twice.
Pull the crimp bead as close as you can to the jump ring, then use flat nose pliers to push the crimp bead shut.
Now slide all your beads toward that end, tucking the wire’s tail end to hide it within the beads.
Go to the other side of the wire. Use side cutters to remove the crimp bead.
String the next 11 stardust beads onto the wire, followed by 3 seed/spacer beads and another crimp bead, close to seed/spacer beads.
Take the jump ring and hook it into the clasp. Push the wire through the jump ring. Make sure the beads fit snugly together. Next, bend the wire back on itself, pushing it through the crimp and seed/spacer beads as you did with the other side.
Hold the main wire steady with a pair of pliers; use the other pair to pull the wire back through the seed beads and first stardust bead. Complete the fit by hand for a snug finish.
Cut the excess wire, tucking it into the beads.
Squeeze the crimp bead carefully into place, taking care to avoid crushing the seed beads.
Get the look for less. Find premium beads at affordable wholesale prices. Shop the wide selection of beading supplies at Crystal Findings today.
The detailed, colorful enamel of Cloisonne beads can capture your attention. However, with so much movement in the design of the beads, it is easy to overlook imperfections in lesser quality supplies. How can you tell superior beads from those that aren’t as well constructed? Examining Cloisonne beads closely will give you keen insight into the quality of their design.
How Cloisonne Beads Are Made
Understanding how Cloisonne beads are made is crucial to uncovering design inconsistencies masked in low quality beading supplies. Cloisonne beads begin with a copper base, inlaid with twists of silver or gold wires, creating individual compartments. Colorful enamel is deposited between the strips and later fired in a kiln, allowing craftsmen to create beautiful, distinctive designs that resemble miniature stained-glass art. This art form dates back thousands of years, crisscrossing the globe through Egypt, China, Rome, France, Europe, and later to America. While the enameling process has improved over the years, the classic design of Cloisonne beads remains.
Tips for Identifying High-Quality Cloisonne Beads
Our beads and jewelry making supplies are some of the best available. You can tell our superior quality Cloisonne bead from competitors. The best Cloisonne beads showcase these qualities:
Smooth surface
The surface of premium Cloisonne beads will be smooth, with no rough edges or protruding wires.
Uniform shape
Properly made Cloisonne beads should not have any pits or high spots. Each section should be completely filled with enamel.
Find a Wide Variety of High-Quality Cloisonne Beads at Crystal Findings
Create beautiful, new jewelry styles with our extensive selection of Cloisonne beads. We offer an array of sizes, styles, colors, and prints, including flattened style, tube, and geometric shaped, twist-on, clasp style, fancy and novelty style Cloisonne beads. Purchase just a few of each bead type, expanding your selection, or buy Cloisonne beads in bulk for added savings. We deliver fast, directly to your door via your choice of UPS or USPS shipping services.
Wearable Works of Art
Cloisonne beads should be cared for like the art they are. When they’re not being worn, they should be stored in small bags to guard the enamel against scratches. They must also be cleaned carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth and minimal water to prevent liquids from being absorbed into small holes that may be in the body of the beads. Never use harsh cleaners or ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, which can damage the surface of the beads.
Shop the best selection of wholesale beading supplies in the USA. Shop our extensive online catalog or contact us at 215 568 4200 to place an order for high-quality Cloisonne beads from Crystal Findings today.
Gold beads are a jewelry-making staple, their classic, timeless good looks a favorite of buyers. However, it’s easy for jewelry designers and shoppers to fall victim to a “fool’s gold” scenario. Gold beads come in many incarnations, including gold plated, gold-filled, and solid gold designs. Distinguishing between these styles is essential to creating quality jewelry and protecting your reputation in the market.
Gold Filled Beads & Gold Plated Beads Are Not the Same
It’s essential to differentiate between gold filled beads and plated designs. Gold-filled beads feature a layer of gold bonded to another metal. They contain much more gold than a gold-plated bead of similar size and style. They hold their value well and maintain their beauty over time of decades, making them a cost-effective alternative to solid gold. Gold-filled beads resist the tarnishing and fading common in gold-plated alternatives. Using quality gold-filled beads over gold-plated options will increase your profits and uphold your reputation for creating quality jewelry.
Make Quality Beads a Hallmark of Your Design Standards
Like gold-filled beads, the same quality concerns should apply to sterling silver beads for jewelry making and Swarovski crystal beads. It is essential to find a reputable jewelry supplies wholesaler that carries quality beads and findings, like our sterling silver-filled beads and genuine Swarovski crystal beads and pendants. Access to a variety of beautiful, high-quality beads will help elevate your status as a leading jewelry designer.
Tips for Choosing the Right Beads for Your Jewelry Designs
Finding the right beads for your jewelry-making project is essential to its success, whether you’re looking to purchase sparkling semi-precious stone beads for a stunning new line or alphabet beads for fun youth jewelry. The materials you use make all the difference in positioning your jewelry as a lasting investment or a low-quality knock-off. Quality shows.
To identify quality gold-filled beads, look for 14K gold, which is made of 60% gold and 40% alloys like zinc, nickel, silver, and copper to prevent the beads from being too soft. Pure gold, identified by its 24K gold insignia, indicates pure gold, which though valuable, is too soft for daily wear and will not hold its quality. Beautiful, practical, lasting jewelry at an affordable price can be achieved with the right metal composition. Your ability to make the right choice will give you an edge in the market and build your reputation as a jewelry craftsperson.
Create quality, affordable jewelry that keeps customers coming back for more. Shop the extensive selection of wholesale beads and jewelry supplies at Crystal Findings today.
