Hi everyone,

I do the majority of my "beading" shopping online.  I go to so many great websites  that sometimes my head spins.  What I was wondering, in your opinion, where can I go for the most reasonably priced findings and supplies?  I also don't like to spend a lot on S&H.  I would rather spend the bulk of my money on good quality beads, pendants, etc.  Supplies like headpins and wire shouldn't have to break the bank.  Thanks for any ideas.

Laura Z.

I do most of my shopping through Fire Mountain Gems ($5.00 flat fee on S&H no matter what you buy or how much you spend) and South Pacific (www.beading.com).  I, too, watch how much I spend and look at deals.

If I may suggest, Ifor saving some money), I have always done well when purchasing "assortments".  For example, Fire Mountain has a 100 strand gemstone and glass assortment package for which I've ordered several times over the years.  I won't say I love every strand or that every strand is perfect, because that isn't true.  I will say they have character.  Some of the strands, for which I didn't care for in the beginning, ended up in some intriguing pieces.  Bottom line though, is that for every assortment, no matter what, I have always come out money ahead.  Sometimes receiving up to five times what the package is worth if purchased separately.  I have posted some of my work on this website in the Subscriber Gallery.  Most of the gemstones came from these assortments.  I've also been very pleased with their Handmade Silver assortments, Clasp assortments, etc.  If you are like me, I like variety, but I just don't have the money to invest in having a lot of different beads.  These assortments have been great for me.  It is just an idea.

I've also found some intriguing shapes and cuts of gemstones through South Pacific.  They have reasonable prices and I have never been disappointed.  The one time I did have a small problem, it was more than well made up to me (and I wasn't even upset!).  Also, look through their monthly sales items.  Sometimes, they have some very good deals.

Hi hearthstonegallery,

Thanks!  I have been on FMG many, many times and I never knew about buying assortment packages.  I can't wait to go look.  Where do you get all of your findings?  I just bought a bunch from fusionbeads.com.  I really like them because their S&H is free, but I could only get real or plated findings.  Sometimes, I just want to throw an inexpensive set of earrings together for practice or to give away.  I'm still learning, so for now I don't want to make overly expensive pieces.

I buy most of my findings through FMG.  They have basics in findings, but their plated prices are the best I've found - so far.

On their website, click on the "Smart Bargains" on the top menu.  Then, on that page, on the right side, part way down, click on "Assortments".

Hi,

I buy my sterling silver and goldfilled findings at either Artbeads or Finedings. Both have excellent prices. Artbeads does not charge for shipping. Most of their findings have a protective coating to protect the sterling silver so the silver looks better longer.

Hi Glitters,

Thanks for the advice.  I love Artbeads.com.  In fact, I just opened an order from them of some pendants and bead strands.  Really pretty stuff.  You know, I went on to finedings.com a couple of nights ago and started to order.  When I got to checkout and a 7.00 S&H charge came up, I cancelled it.  I get really mad at these companies that charge such outrageous S&H when there are so many that charge little or none.  I order so much all of the time that if I'm only spending 10-15.00 a shot, I am not going to spend 7.00 on S&H.  That's why I don't order a lot from FMG.  I love their stuff but I resent the fact that they advertise that they only charge 5.00 all of the time, but when you get to checkout, all of a sudden another 2.75 appears as a handling (?) charge, so it's really 7.75 instead of 5.00.  Do they really think we're all that dumb?  Unfortunately, I do love their stuff so I do still order once in awhile.  Some of my favorites are Fusionbeads, Jewelry Supply, Beadaholique, and Artbeads.  But I'm always looking for new places to shop.  Does anyone else feel the same as I do?

Laura Z.

Laura Z.

The way to get around the shipping and handling charges at FMG is to order 15 or more items. That way you pay a lot less--depending on what you buy--perhaps $20 to $30 less--and more. This reduction more than makes up for the postage and handling.

I'm sure Artbeads includes a shipping percentage in their prices. You just don't see it. 

Another vendor is Lytha Studios 123beads. They charge a small shipping fee but I feel it's worth it because they carry a large selection of TierraCast lead-free pewter beads and findings at very good prices.

If I really need something from a vendor that has a shipping fee, I'm willing to purchase from them, but I purchase from them only when I really need to.

Laura,

It's true, with so many web sites out there....shopping for beads can be kind of overwhelming!

If your looking for some quality (but at a low cost!) beads, pendants, findings,etc. then I think you should check our web site over here at HHH Enterprises (www.hhhenterprises.com)!

AND sometimes we'll have promotions (look for them under our Blog on the site) like FREE shipping for a weekend. So like you said, you can spend more money on your supplies instead of S&H. Pretty good deal, I think!

Anyway, I hope that helps!

 -Valerie

Hi Valerie,

I want to say "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"  What a great website.  I will be placing an order this weekend.  What interesting, beautiful, and unusual things.  I love, love, love your selection of crosses.  It's going to be hard to pick out only a couple to start with.  Also, I had to do a double take on the prices for your clay beads and pendants.  I have some really good ideas for making bracelets and necklaces with some of those.  I know I'm starting to sound redundant, but I also love your selection of pewter and what can I say about your selection and cost of your copper?  I didn't even get to look at everything before it was time to get off work (yes, I was shopping at work).  So, now that I'm at home, I can finish looking and start buying.  Yipee!!!

Laura Z.

I have a bead store online but mostly hand picked quality gemstones wholesale. I have a few findings as a service to my clients but those are not the things to get from me.

My gemstones are all great quality. If they are not (they were a close out etc.) then I state so.

Good luck finding what your after!

Szarka

Hi Szarka,

Well, you got to me.  Your stuff is beautiful and your prices are wonderful for the quality.  I just placed an order.  I just couldn't help myself.  I will definitely be back for more because I am a stickler for quality and you deliver.  I can't wait to get my beautiful pendant and my strands of beads.  I'm very excited.

Thanks so much,

Laura

Excellent. Well let me know what you think of them either way. I never let anyone be unhappy. Life is way too short for that.

Szarka