Where Can I Buy Gemstone Beads

Gemstone Beads You'll Love

There are so many different types of beads to choose from out there, but you can't go wrong with gemstones if you want to create handmade pieces for yourself or your friends that will stop others in their tracks. Want to hear, "Oh my, where did you get that stunning necklace?" Shop for gemstone beads as a first step once you learn a bit of technique from other, less expensive beads. Here are a few types to keep in mind while you shop:

• Agate
• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Bloodstone
• Coral
• Emerald
• Hematite
• Jade
• Lapis
• Onyx
• Opal
• Ruby
• Sapphire
• Topaz
• Turquoise

Were you wondering if you can actually find those beads loose, ready to be used by the amateur (or expert) jewelry designer? You most definitely can! And many, many more.

So Where Can I Buy Gemstone Beads?

Here are a few sites to check out:

• Gem Beads—the store says it all with its name. It should be one of your first stops when searching for gemstone beads online. They have gemstones drilled all the way through for stringing as well as beads drilled only halfway through, perfect for making stud earrings.

• Lima Beads will surprise you with their selection of gemstone beads. If you like blue, be sure to check out the azurite malachite collection. The coffee bean jasper selection is sure to delight jewelry makers and coffee lovers alike, due to the combination of unusual beauty and the name.

• Beads on Sale has an unbelievably beautiful collection of gemstone beads. Be sure to check out the labradorite beads. They aren't terribly common, but they are nearly intoxicating to look at. The ruby fuchsite and sardonyx are also unusual.

• Fire Mountain Gems not only offers an extensive online catalog of all the beads you could possibly hope for, they also can send you a free paper catalog to browse through. You can get the free Jewelry Maker's Best Seller Catalog if you've never placed an order with them. If you've placed an order of $100 or more in the past six months, you can get a free Jewelry Maker's Comprehensive Catalog.

Prices

One of the downsides to finding out that it's your passion to work with gemstone beads is finding out the price. They probably won't break the bank, but it's not as inexpensive as going to Michael's or Hobby Lobby to pick up a big bag of beads for $2.

For example, a sixteen-inch strand of 4mm round garnet beads from Fire Mountain Gems will cost you anywhere from $2.59 to $4.87. Prices are based on how may strands you are purchasing at one time.

Remember Shape

It's easy to get wrapped up in the beauty of semi-precious beads once you finally feel as though you've hit the gemstone bead jackpot. However, don't forget to take into account the different shapes available—round, tube, oval, star, rondelle, and so on, or the filler beads you may need in between to coax that creation in your mind to life.

In most cases, it's best to get a mix of shapes or at least purchase filler beads along with your gemstone beads. So when you ask yourself, "Where can I buy gemstone beads?" don't forget to pick up a few extra supplies while you're there.

In Summary

Purchasing gemstone beads is easy. Check with craft stores in your town first. If you can't find what you're looking for there, you can always shop online or order catalogs from bead retailers. Whatever you need to complete your project is available, and it's only a matter of time before you or someone you love is receiving compliments on it.