Sometimes when you want to use metal beads in your bead work creations, gold or sterling silver beads are not in the budget. Neither do you want to opt for plastic or glass beads and want a nice metallic touch to your pieces of jewelry. If you are in a similar situation and stuck for ideas, consider using base metal beads. Base metal beads are made of non precious metals, like copper and brass or alloys like pewter for example and then may be coated with different colors or with the natural resultant color. They are a great alternative to beads made of precious metals thanks to the price factor and easy availability.

Sometimes plastic beads just won’t cut it and do not fit in the vision you have for your designs. When metal is what you crave base metal beads are ideal since they are much more long lasting then plastic and much cheaper than say solid sterling silver or gold beads. They usually have a gold or silver like appearance and you will also find base metal beads that have been treated for effects resulting in a more vintage or tarnished look. They are definitely attractive and add a charm of their own to jewelry, either alone or mixed with other materials and colors. Base metal beads are also popular with those looking to add a little weight and glimmer to their jewelry designs, without the added price tag of a precious metal.

However, do remember that some people with sensitive skin may be allergic to such base metal products. So, if you are planning to sell your jewelry made with such beads or other base metal additions, make sure you always specify the materials used. Sometimes you may not be able to find out exactly what metals have been used, but you can definitely inform your customers that it is base metal beforehand. Nonetheless the popularity of such kinds of beads continues to grow.

Nowadays, you can find a plethora of beautiful base metal beads that are ready to be used in various kinds of jewelry. You will find different fancy shapes and sizes as well as a variety of finishes like satin smooth beads, corrugated beads and stardust beads. Base metal charm beads and spacer beads are also easily available. If you need something fancier you will also find base metal beads with silver or gold plating at affordable prices. Today online jewelry supplies retailers usually offer stunning varieties of beads in an amazing number of shapes, sizes, colors, finishes and materials as well as findings to create the piece itself. So all you have to do is go online and browse among these beautiful baubles to find the ones you like best!

Copper jewelry has been a popular form of jewelry since centuries now and the usage of copper beads can be traced back to as far as 6000 B.C. Bridging the gap between jewelry made of precious metals like gold or sterling silver and costume imitation jewelry, copper has made its way into the hearts and wardrobes of many people around the around. If you are thinking of dabbling in copper jewelry, using beads can be the easiest way to infuse the beauty and unique color of copper into your designs.

Did you know that the discovery of copper helped ancient civilizations usher in the important Bronze Age so pivotal in our history. It has since then been used for many purposes apart for just adornment. According to some copper jewelry has the power to protect he or she who wears it as well as improve their health by reducing fatigue, increasing energy levels, improving blood circulation, healing skin, improving concentration, increasing communication abilities and much more. Till date people use copper beads and jewelry in amulets and the like to take advantage of its supposed healing properties.

Even if you do not believe in the holistic and healing properties of this metal, there is no denying that its unique color and appearance definitely makes an impact. Copper has a reddish orange hue, unlike most metals we see. Its interesting color lends itself beautifully to jewelry both by itself and also with other colors found in gemstones and fake colored stones used in jewelry today, allowing you to create some stunning eye-catching pieces. It is no wonder then copper jewelry in many forms is found in tons of jewelry stores, from the high end designer boutiques to the small shops at local craft fairs.

And fortunately today you will be able to find a wide variety of solid copper beads for your jewelry making ventures, especially in well stocked online stores. Whether it is earrings or necklaces or any other kind of jewelry you wish to make from this attractive metal, you will be able to find plenty of beads to do the needful. Apart from different varieties of round beads, you will also find charms and beads in unusual shapes and designs. Findings made of copper like jewelry wire, earring wire, clasps, toggles, bead caps, jump rings, lever backs and the like, are also easily available online and can be used in case you are crafting a largely copper item or want more of a coppery look to your jewelry. Copper jewelry is here to stay and if you long to experiment with this popular metal, go ahead and pick up some beads today. You never know what interesting creations you end up with!

Have you thought about what all you are going to create with beautiful sterling silver beads? Whether it is earrings, necklace, bracelets or more, sterling silver beads are one of the most attractive additions to any piece of jewelry. These versatile globes and other shapes of course, can be used in varying quantities and sizes to different effects depending on the kind of jewelry you are aiming to make. A touch of silver can rarely go wrong and on the other hand enhance the appeal of a piece of jewelry to a whole other level.

Sterling silver beads like other products made from this material should be in the proportion of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% composed of other metals like copper. So definitely make sure you are purchasing true sterling silver beads, if that is how you are going to price your final piece or market it. Beads made of sterling silver are used in a wide variety of contemporary jewelry nowadays. From standalone beads that are showcased for their own merit to sterling silver additions used to add a contrast and complement others beads, pearls or gemstones, these lustrous creations are favored world-wide for their value and beauty. Therefore always purchase your beads from a source that sells the real deal items and guarantees the quality of their products.

If you are planning on buying sterling silver beads for your creations, it may be a good idea to purchase them in larger wholesale or bulk quantities in order to get the best price. Although there are retailers out there who offer great rates, the price of sterling silver in general is rising steadily day by day, so purchasing a bigger quantity will definitely afford you a better rate. Besides some online retailers nowadays offer amazing varieties of these popular beads like saucer beads, rice beads, donut roundels, corrugated beads, round beads, satin finish beads and more, in quantities you desire big or small. You will even find fancier crystal studded silver beads and exotic ones like sterling silver Thai beads or Bali style beads to lend a unique touch.

The versatility of good quality sterling silver beads is hard to beat. You can entirely change the look of a piece with just the addition of a little or lot of these shiny objects. If you are planning on making an entire piece of sterling silver do not forget to complete the look with sterling silver findings as well. Well made findings like clasps, toggles, jewelry wire, hooks, bead caps, crimp covers, end caps, pendant bails, lever backs and the like in sterling silver adds to the look and quality of the piece in its entirety, affecting other factors like how you can price your product.

Whether you make fancy high end jewelry, popular costume jewelry for young ones and teenagers or simply make it as a hobby you love, there is one element everyone needs i.e. supplies. Jewelry making supplies are essential in any jewelry maker’s kit of course, but high quality ones are just as important. Jewelry making supplies encompasses a wide variety of articles one may need when crafting pieces like adhesive and stringing materials, as well as tools like beading boards, bead trays, needles, tweezers, reamers, wire / thread cutters, jump ring opener / closer, finger thimbles, bead crimping tools and more. Jewelry makers usually also need calipers and other measuring tools. You may also have to purchase additional supplies like polishing cloths, display cases, storage cases and more, especially in case you plan to sell your creations in a retail set-up.

Also often considered among supplies, one can also not deny the importance of jewelry findings, without which you cannot construct any kind of jewelry. Findings like wires, toggles, clasps, cable thimbles, bead tips, crimp covers, head pins, eye pins, end caps, pendant bails, toggles, earring components, lever backs, spring rings, ear wires, jump rings, ball chain connectors, spacer beads and the like, are vital components of jewelry making. While the kind of findings you need depends on the kind of jewelry you are making, they cannot be constructed without them.

Today you can also easily find such findings in many different materials like sterling silver findings, gold filled findings, copper findings, base metal findings, brass findings and sterling silver findings. If you are looking for the most variety in findings or any other supplies, it may be wise to take your search online. You will find great jewelry making supplies stores on the internet that carry amazing varieties of all the necessities, which you may not find in your local stores. What many customers also appreciate is that you can also procure other essentials like beads, chains, manmade pearls etc. from the same retailers.

Jewelry making supplies are the building blocks any jewelry creator needs to make a good product and then if the case may be take care of it and display it properly. You can now find a vast collection of jewelry making supplies via online retailers in a big variety of price points as well. You can even avail of special discounts, discounted shipping and sales when you check the said websites for updates and /or are a frequent customer. Plus since you can also find the findings you need made from different materials, crafting any sort of jewelry got a whole lot simpler. Remember, however amazing your design may be on paper, without the right tools, equipment and findings, that vision will not turn into a gorgeous reality.

Beads are an essential item in many a jewelry maker’s tool box. A lot of aspiring jewelry makers in fact start their journey of designing and making jewelry with beads, thanks to their easy to use construction and the sheer variety available. The fact that you can now purchase wholesale beads from simple and quick avenues like online jewelry making supplies stores, makes it all the more attractive and economical to try your hand with beaded jewelry.

If you are looking to purchase wholesale beads for your jewelry making ventures all you need to do is log on to the internet and find the best store for the job. You do not need to go hunting in crowded markets and busy stores anymore. It is all up for grabs with a few clicks on your keyboard. In fact you can also find all the other jewelry making supplies that you need to make your beaded jewelry with in such stores like jewelry wires like gold filled wire, stainless steel wire, sterling silver wire and more, hooks, clasps, toggles, earring components etc. You will also be able to buy findings like bead caps, spacer beads, crimp beads and other components.

If you are looking for a wide variety of beads for your pieces and are worried you will not find too much variety, you will be pleasantly surprised. You can now buy a wealth of beads made from a multitude of materials ranging from gemstones to natural earthy materials, glass and more. If you are looking for gemstone beads, you can easily find tons of amazing beads in the most gorgeous colours made with gems like amethysts, African opal, agate, coral, emerald, garnet, citrine, cats eye, lapis lazuli, moonstone, mother of pearl, rose quartz, sapphire, zircon, turquoise, tanzanite, peridot and many, many more. Natural material beads may include beautiful varieties made from wood, ceramic and bone. And of course you can find stunning glass beads and pearl beads, ensuring you have tons of variety to choose from.

If you are thinking about purchasing smaller quantities, keep in mind that websites that sell bulk quantities like wholesale beads often offer much more affordable deals and some even offer a frequent buyer discount. Also since you are online it will be easier to keep track of sales on various products as well as the latest arrivals. Now a dazzling array of beads are yours for the choosing and you can easily buy them for a number of jewelry items like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, brooches and more. You can even use them to decorate other accessories like bags, shoes, belts and photo frames etc. Beads are definitely in and here to stay!

Sterling silver beads are one of the most versatile and easy to use pieces when crafting jewelry. They can serve as a focal point of an entirely beaded piece or be used to highlight other accents of a piece as well. Sterling silver jewelry and silver beaded jewelry is seen in some form of the other part of cultural and ethnic jewelry from many, many cultures around the world. From the ancient to the contemporary, it is rare to walk into a store without jewelry with silver in it and beads are the perfect way to add that touch of special sparkle.

Beads made from sterling silver are an easy and affordable option when you want to incorporate a touch of this precious metal in your designs. These beads are ideal when making necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets and more and also when adding that touch of uniqueness to other accessories and artifacts. In fact if you are looking for a new way to incorporate sterling silver beads and other specially crafted beads in your collection, consider making charm bracelets, which are very much back in vogue today and seen everywhere from high end designer jewelry boutiques to mainstream accessories store in the malls.

One of the best things for jewelry makers today is that you can find a wealth of sterling silver beads and other needed findings like sterling silver bead caps and crimps online. You now have access to a stunning variety of these sterling silver delights that range in different shapes and styles like sterling silver oval rice beads, sterling silver satin beads, sterling silver saucer beads, sterling silver round beads, sterling silver donut roundels and sterling silver laser cut beads included sandblasted and laser cut varieties. You can also find fancier designs like those encrusted with crystals or made with filigree work.

Other popular types of sterling silver beads you often see in contemporary fashion are the exotic Bali style beads that lend a touch of exoticism and uniqueness to a design and come in a variety of shapes, styles and carvings. They look exceptionally pretty when juxtaposed with other pretty colorful gemstone beads for contrast. The other great option are the Hill Tribe beads from Thailand that are handmade into pendant styles and beautiful shapes like flowers, lanterns and more with intricate carvings, lending them a very vintage look. A feature that sets them apart is that while most sterling silver beads are made with the regular 92.5% pure silver, these beads are made with 95% or higher proportion of pure silver and are also usually bigger in size than the standard bead.

With so many options and jewelry genre designs to experiment with, how do you plan to use sterling silver beads?

Silver chains are a common feature today with many, many around the world sporting silver jewelry on a day to day basis. Jewelry made with sterling silver is always in vogue and it also appeals to a wide range covering different ages and cultures. In view of this fact, it comes as no surprise that there are a wide range of silver chains available in the market today. These silver chains are put to use to add that special glint and sparkle that only this metal can bring, to a variety of other articles as well.

Of course it goes without saying that silver chains are often used for different kinds of jewelry like earrings, bracelets, anklets and the like and the basic form as necklaces with or without pendants. But they are also popular enhancements to a plethora of other articles as well. Professional designers and also amateur craft lovers now use chains to accentuate the beauty of many objects ranging from wearable articles like clothing, hats, purses, bags and shoes but also a range of other offbeat products like photo frames, decorative cushions, key chains, art pieces, statues and other kinds of creative decorative articles. They are definitely a versatile piece that can be both the product you create itself as well as a spectacular accompaniment to many an object.

It is easy to see why silver chains are such a popular feature. The colour and shine of this versatile metal rivals gold and platinum and is more affordable. It is yet valuable enough to add a premium and value to any object, be it pieces of jewelry or other accessories. If you are thinking of purchasing silver chains as part of your jewelry making endeavors or to add beauty to other projects, it is always a good idea to go in for sterling silver. If you are worried about paying a high price for sterling silver chains and other findings, you don’t need to worry about dealing with that additional stress nowadays.

You can now find amazing selection of sterling silver chains up for grabs sold by reputable online retailers selling jewelry making supplies. Some of them sell chains and other sterling silver findings and essentials in wholesale and bulk amounts like silver chains and 20 feet and 50 feet quantities. This way you cannot only avail of already lower prices but get more value for money but also order in larger amounts and find the whole transaction far more affordable. Of course when you are planning to purchase any sterling silver items it is essential that you make your purchase from a reliable and reputable source that guarantees you a quality product that meets international standards as well as safe and secure online monetary transactions.

Real platinum, gold and silver jewelry will always be popular, but their increasing prices are tough to manage sometimes in times like these when most people are trying to cut back. That is one of the major reasons why plated jewelry continues to remain popular through the ages. Gold and silver plated chains and other pieces are part of any a jewelry maker’s arsenal nowadays thanks to their affordability, versatility and easy availability today. In fact plated chains in shades of gold, silver etc. are being used in a number of ways, for example as embellishments on high end bags and purses, hats, shoes, key chains and more, besides jewelry of course.

Yes, cost is definitely one of the biggest reasons that plated jewelry is such a firm staple in countries around the world. If you can wear pieces with the similar look and luster of your favourite precious metals without the budget busting prices, then why not indeed? Another factor that makes it so popular is a fact that any jewelry lover can attest to, i.e. people want variety and options in their accessories. And plated jewelry gives them just that since you can amass a sizeable and diverse collection within budget and now more than ever since jewelry designers from around the globe are experimenting more and more with cost effective plated jewelry. Therefore if you are looking to create pieces of jewelry that are easy to make and sell, plated jewelry is almost a guaranteed option.

Silver and gold plated chains are easily available thanks to the great jewelry supplies websites online today. You will be able to find a wealth of designs, styles, colors and sizes in great quality, making it easier to substitute for the real deal, and at rates that are affordable and competitively priced. You can find plated chains that have the similar shades of gold, copper, silver and even platinum.

Of course it is imperative to not compromise on finding a good dealer for your plated chains; because if you want to replicate the beautiful look of real platinum, gold and silver jewelry, the quality is of utmost importance. Also you want to purchase a strong piece that will be easier to enhance with the additions like gemstones or gemstone beads, pearls and other sundry embellishments. In fact some online retailers even sell ready-made pendants that you can pair with the chains and sell in a few easy steps. A handy tip – when looking for plated chains, those built over solid brass is a good option to consider. Also if you are looking for an economical option, purchasing plated chains in big quantities like bulk spools, can further bring down your production costs.

A trip to any jewelry shop will confirm that the price of silver is on a huge upswing these days. Once a very affordable choice, pure silver jewelry is often out of reach nowadays for the more budget minded. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that jewelry designers are now turning to more wallet friendly alternatives like silver plated jewelry, offering their customers the next best thing when they can’t shell out big bucks for solid silver jewelry. You will also find a wide variety of silver plated chains and other findings available through online stores, letting you dabble in more affordable jewelry projects.

Silver plated jewelry basically consists of more inexpensive base metals like solid brass, coated with a layer of real silver. Therefore, you will still be able to enjoy the moonlit color of beautiful silver, without the hefty price tag that comes with a solid silver piece. Chains made with silver plating can be a great alternative to real silver or white gold chains and are readily available in a multitude of designs and styles for easy incorporation into your designs. Most variations available in sterling silver like crinkle chains, cable chains, flat cable chains, figure eight chains, drawn cable chains, pressed link chains, Rolo chains, curb chains and the like, are usually available in a silver plated option as well. You are also sure to find a nice variety of sizes and shapes.

Do remember that silver plated pieces are susceptible to wear and tear especially when it comes to prolonged contact with perfume, salt water, perspiration and other factors. So you will have to keep that in mind when designing the pieces of jewelry. They may not last as long as sterling silver, but will definitely retain their beauty for a long time if you follow proper care instructions that protect the outer layer of the piece. When looking for silver plated chains, make sure you purchase your products from a reliable and reputable source, so you get quality pieces that are the best in their class. A quick search online will also help you find great discounted products and bulk order options, further cutting down your initial expenditure.

Bridging the gap between imitation jewelry and real deal solid silver jewelry, silver plated chains and the like are a great mid-point that are attractive yet wallet friendly. You can now buy such chains and also other findings in wholesale and bulk quantities, giving you an even better price point. Since silver plated jewelry is also a lot more affordable, it will help you reach a bigger customer pool and at the same time let you experiment with more designs that you previously could not afford to do.

As many a jewelry lover knows it is tough to resist the timeless allure of gold. However, try as we might , it is also getting more and more difficult to afford gold jewelry, thanks to the astronomical price rise this precious metal seems to be experiencing year after year. Thus, it comes as no surprise that jewelry designers are turning to other more economical alternatives like gold filled chains and other findings to create beautiful jewelry, which is far more accessible to the everyday wearer and also more affordable to experiment with as well.

Pure gold and even the normal 10 karats, 14 karats and 18 karats or 22 karats gold jewelry are often out of reach thanks to the exorbitant prices. Even firm jewelry lovers who are constantly upgrading their pieces, are finding it tough to keep up with the expensive price changes. Therefore, jewelry makers today are turning to gold filled jewelry to bridge the gap between super pricey gold jewelry and non-precious costume jewelry. Gold filled essentially means that a layer of real gold is wrapped (usually fused or bonded with heat) around a base metal or a mix of base metals. It is almost like a tubing of gold, filled with these base metals. Therefore, you still get a reasonable amount of real gold, without the hefty price tag. In fact there are strict regulations ensuring that gold filled pieces must be composed of a minimum of 5% solid gold. More valuable than gold plated pieces, gold filled jewelry contains far more gold and is also more durable and strong.

If you are a jewelry maker looking to try this beautiful medium of gold filled jewelry, you don’t have to go from shop to shop looking for the right findings anymore. One of the most popular items in jewelry making i.e. chains is also available in the gold filled variety on a number of great jewelry supplies websites today. If you are looking for items like cable chains, flat cable chains, crinkle chains, curb chains, snake chains and more, you are likely to find gold filled varieties on any reliable vendor’s online store.

Apart from gold filled chains, you can also find findings like bead tips, bead caps, toggle clasps, wire, eye pins, jump rings head pins, tube spacer beads, clasps, cable thimbles, crimp covers and more. When you love working in gold and are losing many a customer to the escalating prices, maybe it is time to consider gold filled jewelry. You will be able to reach a far wider customer base and create stunning and creative designs that are affordably priced and also a lot more economical to make as well.