If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
With the perfect beading supplies, you can create beautiful earrings, bracelets, and more for your business. Whether you make one-of-a-kind pieces or sell bulk products, there are plenty of places to find high-quality beads, charms, wires, and findings at unbeatable prices. In this article, we’ll reveal 10 great places to get exactly what you need to bring your vision to life. Let’s dive in! Silicone Beads
The global beading market is booming and is expected to continue until 2028. Despite changing economic conditions, jewelry making remains a popular hobby, and demand for supplies has surged. With new manufacturers offering competitive prices, consumers have more options than ever for creating handmade jewelry.
When you’re shopping for beading supplies online, it’s important to choose a store you can trust. From materials for large projects to simple findings and hardware, here are the top online places to shop for beads and other supplies:
Amazon is a top online destination for buying beading supplies. It offers a wide variety of products, competitive pricing, and fast shipping options.
Etsy is a popular online marketplace for buying beading supplies. It offers unique handmade items, vintage finds, and a vibrant community of sellers.
GoodyBeads offers affordable and high-quality beading supplies for DIY jewelry making, with over 20 years of experience and excellent customer service.
Family-owned Beads Factory offers a wide range of high-quality beading supplies online and in-store and is a top supplier of Preciosa and Crystals.
Beadaholique is a top source for beads, jewelry supplies, and learning resources with fast worldwide shipping, free tutorials, and quality products.
Shipwreck Beads is family-owned since 1969, the largest US retailer of Czech glass beads with an impressive 80k sq. ft. showroom stocked with billions of beads and more.
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads sells beading supplies online since 1973, with a focus on valuing relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees.
Artbeads, a family-run business for 17+ years, offers vast beading supplies and hosts a large community of beaders, making it a top online destination.
eBay is a top source for buying beading supplies online. With a vast selection, competitive pricing, and reliable shipping, it’s a popular choice among beading enthusiasts.
Michaels is a go-to destination for buying beading supplies online. Their diverse inventory, weekly sales, and curbside pickup option make shopping for beads easy and convenient.
You can also find the top deals on beading supplies here.
For stunning beaded jewelry, you need the right beading supplies, including tools, findings, and beads, with consideration of bead size. Once you invest in the items below, check out these 16 craft supply storage ideas to keep them organized. Important supplies for a beading business include:
Seed beads are tiny, round beads commonly used in bead weaving, loom work, and embroidery. Originating from Venice in the 15th century, these beads are often used in traditional indigenous beading projects. The sizing can be a bit confusing, as a larger number indicates a smaller bead.
These are long cylindrical beads that come in various lengths and finishes. Bugle beads are a staple in bead embroidery and can create texture and lines in jewelry pieces. However, their sharp ends can fray threading materials if not properly protected.
Made by the Japanese company Miyuki, Delica beads are cylinder beads perfect for detailed bead weaving due to their uniform size and shape. They stack neatly, making them a favorite for patterns that require precision.
Crystal beads, often associated with brands like Swarovski or Preciosa, are made from lead glass that’s been cut to refract light. Their sparkle and brilliance make them sought after for elegant jewelry pieces.
Lampwork beads are handcrafted by melting glass using a torch. The melted glass is wound around a metal rod, creating beads of various shapes and designs. The craftsmanship and uniqueness of each bead make them special.
Made from genuine gemstones, these beads can be faceted or smooth. Their value varies depending on the gem type, and they often carry metaphysical meanings. Popular stones include amethyst, turquoise, and jade.
These are carved from various types of wood. Wooden beads can be painted, stained, or left natural. They offer a bohemian or rustic look to jewelry and crafts.
Historically, bone and horn beads were made from actual animal bones or horns. They are often carved with designs and can have a tribal or ancient aesthetic.
Both natural and cultured pearls can be used as beads. Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls are all varieties. Their lustrous sheen adds elegance to any project.
Made from sea shells, these beads have a natural iridescence. Commonly used shells include mother of pearl, abalone, and cowrie.
Crafted from various metals, these beads can be simple spacers or intricate designs. Popular metals include sterling silver, gold, brass, and pewter.
Made from clay and then fired, ceramic and porcelain beads can be glazed or unglazed. Their handcrafted nature often gives them unique and artsy designs.
These are plastic beads that come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are lightweight, making them suitable for larger statement jewelry pieces.
Originating from the Czech Republic, these beads are known for their quality and craftsmanship. They come in numerous shapes, sizes, and finishes, from faceted fire-polished beads to unique pressed shapes.
Historically, these beads were used as a form of currency, especially in Africa. Trade beads are often colorful and come in various patterns, making them collectible.
Originating from African cultures, waist beads are worn around the waist for various reasons, including adornment, marking milestones, or symbolizing wealth.
Another creation by Miyuki, tila beads are flat, square beads with two holes. They offer unique possibilities in bead weaving.
These are two-hole beads shaped like an hourglass or a figure-eight. SuperDuo beads are popular in bead weaving due to the intricate patterns they can create.
Beading needles are thin, elongated needles specifically designed to fit most bead holes. They make stringing beads easier, especially for detailed work like bead weaving or embroidery. Their sizes vary, with smaller numbers indicating thicker needles.
Beading thread is a specially designed thread for beadwork. It’s typically stronger and more resistant to fraying than regular sewing thread. Brands like Nymo, FireLine, and C-Lon are popular choices, each offering different strengths and thicknesses suitable for various projects.
Beading wire, like Tiger Tail or Soft Flex, is made of several strands of stainless steel wires woven together and then coated with nylon. It’s flexible yet strong, making it ideal for stringing heavier beads or creating jewelry pieces like necklaces and bracelets.
These are small beads or tubes made of metal. When flattened with crimping pliers, crimping beads secure beading wire ends, ensuring that beads stay in place and that clasps are securely attached.
Bead caps are decorative elements that fit on the ends of beads, enhancing their appearance. They can add an elegant finish to a bead, especially larger or focal beads.
Bead stoppers are small, spring-like tools that temporarily grip the end of your beading wire or thread, preventing beads from sliding off when you pause or adjust your work.
While not “beads” in the decorative sense, spacer beads are functional components used to separate and frame more prominent beads in jewelry designs. They help in achieving a balanced look.
Clasps and closures are mechanisms used to open and close jewelry pieces like necklaces and bracelets. There are various types, including lobster claw, toggle, magnetic, and hook-eye clasps, each offering different aesthetics and functionalities.
Headpins are metal wires with a flat or decorative end, while eyepins have a loop at one end. They’re used for making bead dangles or linking beads together.
Jump rings are circular metal rings with a split, allowing them to open and close. Split rings resemble tiny key rings. Both are used for attaching components together, such as adding a charm to a bracelet.
A successful beading business needs the right tools and equipment to make high-quality necklaces and other jewelry. Beyond the basics, here are some additional tools to consider:
Crimping pliers are specifically designed to work with crimp beads. They have two notches: one to crimp (flatten) the bead and another to shape it, ensuring a neat finish.
Bead mats are soft, usually velvet-like surfaces that prevent beads from rolling around while you work. They offer a safe and organized workspace, ensuring that even the tiniest beads don’t escape.
These are trays with grooves and compartments designed to help you plan out jewelry designs, especially necklaces or bracelets. Bead boards allow you to measure, arrange, and adjust bead placements before stringing.
Wire cutters are essential for cutting beading wire, headpins, and eyepins. They ensure clean cuts, which are crucial for professional-looking jewelry finishes.
These are small, sharp scissors used for cutting beading thread or other fine materials. Precision is crucial in beading, making these an essential tool.
A beading loom is a tool used for bead weaving, allowing artists to create intricate patterns and designs by weaving beads together using thread.
These are tools designed to enlarge, smooth, or otherwise modify the holes in beads. Bead reamers are especially useful when a bead’s hole is too small for a thread or wire.
A thread burner is an alternative to scissors for cutting beading thread. It heats up and melts the thread, preventing frayed ends and making for a cleaner finish.
A knotting tool is used to create knots between beads or pearls, resulting in a finished jewelry piece that drapes nicely and keeps beads from sliding around.
A bead spinner is a device that helps to string beads quickly and easily onto thread or wire, making it a great time-saver for large or complex pieces.
The best material for beading depends on the type of project you’re working on and the look you want to achieve. Some popular materials include glass, gemstones, and metal, each offering different textures and finishes to create unique jewelry pieces.
Pliers are considered the most important beading tool. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including bending and shaping wire, opening, and closing jump rings, and attaching findings to finished jewelry.
Beading businesses can be profitable. In fact, it’s among the top 50 handmade business ideas you can start from home. But success depends on factors such as market demand, competition, and pricing strategy.
Launching a successful beading business entails more than just creating beautiful pieces. Strategic planning, marketing acumen, and a deep understanding of your target audience are equally essential. Embracing both the craft and the commerce can lead to a rewarding venture. Here are some tips for creating a profitable beading business:
Remember, patience and persistence are crucial. As with any business, building a reputable and profitable beading brand will take time, but with dedication and the right strategies, success is attainable.
There are many websites that offer wholesale bead supplies, but the best one for your business will depend on factors such as product selection, pricing, and shipping options. Our top list above should help you find the right wholesaler. This list of where to find wholesale craft supplies includes even more options.
Yes, many stores that sell jewelry supplies also carry beading tools such as pliers, wire cutters, and beading needles. You can find these tools in-store or online at retailers like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann.
Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Small Business Trends is an award-winning online publication for small business owners, entrepreneurs and the people who interact with them. Our mission is to bring you "Small business success … delivered daily."
silicone beads manufacturer © Copyright 2003 - 2023, Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. "Small Business Trends" is a registered trademark.