By just understanding the kind of jewelry supplies you require, this in return turns out as a very crucial element of jewelry making. An individual’s personality tends to do so much with the kind of products that you acquire and keep. Personally I tend purchase products at once so that I may have the feeling that I own a lot, even though this is indeed a very expensive process. One of my friends going by the name Susan looks more organized because she plans and acquires the pieces and items that she only needs. None of these approaches is wrong, it only depends with someone’s income and the budget.

Another factor that needs to be taken into consideration when thinking of materials, supplies and equipment are the kind of designs that you wish to settle for. If you decide to bead, you will therefore require some types of materials that are quite different than the materials you would have used when working with metal-smith or metal-clay.

I am hoping that I will begin publishing some series of articles that will dwell mainly on jewelry supplies and the best places where they can be bought from. In this particular article which also happens to be my first one, I am going to provide you with a general idea on some of the basic material that you may require and I will also be providing more information that explains on the various areas pertaining to jewelry crafting.

The best way to begin learning about jewelry crafting, tools and techniques is to visit a classroom. There are quite a number of places that you can be assisted to nurture your skills of jewelry making and these may include; art schools, colleges & universities, and community colleges among others. As you gain more experience with processes and techniques which are involved with crafting of jewelry, you become better with the art.

Jewelry Making Supplies

Apart from the jewelry crafting tools, you also require a number of jewelry making supplies that will enable you to design unique creations.

Bead:

These wonderful gems can be stocked and they are available in a variety of colors, sizes and types and they can also be easily acquired at jewelry shows, through the internet, or local bead shop. You have to properly select your most preferred beads whether it is pearl, clay, glass, or gemstone.

Findings:

These are very important items for the craft and they may include accessories such as clasps, ear hooks and jump rings among others. These items come in different designs and materials.

Stringing material:

The kind of material that you choose here will depend on the type of project that you are working on. For instance, if you are making necklaces, you can go for nylon thread and some coated-beading wires that come with numerous colors.

Wire:

If you are crafting wire wrap jewelry, you will have to use some pieces of wires which comes in different sizes, hardness, type, colors and shapes.

Metal Clay safe-findings

Fine�”silver-findings are available which are fire resistant and can be combined with clay.

Metal-clay

You can use basic metal clay components like; paste, syringe, and lump among others.

Metals:

I already stock different types of sterling silver metal, I also have bi-metla-sheet-22K gold over-sterling-silver.
Solder:

I have enough stock of these because it is very difficult to be satisfied with your stock levels.

Below is the list of the Supply stores that I normally frequent regularly.

Rio Grande:

I acquire some of my metal and soldier from them.  I also tend to purchase some other tools from here because they have very fast and efficient service and there are always people standby to answer your questions.

Metalliferous:

I am in love with this place because they have an incredible selection such as the textured sterling silver which is very extensive and the store also boasts of high quality and expedient shipping services.

Paternak Findings:

The organization is located in Tel Aviv with a variety of jewelry, components and findings. I mainly use their sterling-silver-ornaments in my personal designs. The company also boasts of an excellent turn around service with a user friendly ordering process.

Cool tools:
The company founder Marlene is always very supportive because he receives and answers calls humbly. They have metal clay items that are very extensive and in this particular store you will acquire tools and components that they have developed. I have had an excellent experience with these guys and they are very supportive towards their customers.

Whole lotta whimsy:

This is also another excellent place that I normally acquire items from. The store has some unique components and tools and they have even bundled tutorials for the customers.

Art beads:

I acquire a lot of findings from this company because they have an incredibly huge selection of beads, findings and components and they have even spiced all these with free shipping.

Fire-Mountain-Gems and Beads

This place has a very huge catalogues, and they also have very fast shipping services and a well equipped learning center that consists of a series of tutorials which is also very ideal for beginners.

Most of the pearls and beads that I work with have been acquired from shows. It is very special when you select what you want whereby I have managed to come up with a comprehensive list of suppliers that I normally pay a visit to during the different shows.

You should also not forget about your local-bead-shop. They are likely to stock some basic items which you may need and you can just subscribe to their mailing list so that you can be updated on their products.

A number of bead shops have trade discounts whereby you can enquire on this before you embark on your shopping. It is also advisable to personally know people who are working there so that they may provide you with extra information.

However, this is not an all inclusive list, but only meant to provide some overall look. In future as time proceeds I will be providing you more information.  You will also need gold scales, carat scales, ultrasonic cleaners, bergeon tools, renata batteries and electronic scales.

But incase you have your own favorite jewelry supply shop, you are free to share with us the information.