My Sources Of Gemstones For Wire Wrapping

I am often asked where I manage to find the beautiful stones that I use in my jewellery designs. It isn't a completely straightforward answer I'm afraid.

I buy stones from a variety of sources. I have contacts in India, China, USA etc that I have made so that I can buy direct at good prices and as time goes by I'm sure you will make your own networking efforts pay off in similar ways. It's dealing with individuals you have known for a while and come to trust and it may often mean you need to bargain a little to get the best prices.

Ebay is always a good source for both strings and individual gems but you have to be cautious. Not all gemstones are genuine. China is particularly good at faking gemstones and sells them to unwary bidders in huge numbers. Once again you will come to know the better dealers and stick with them once you have had the opportunity to sample their wares.

Other jewellery makers can be a good source for acquiring gems in swaps. Everyone has stones in their stash that no longer seem as appealing or never did perhaps being bought as part of a bundle. For whatever reason there are stones you will probably never use and very many of us are gemstone addicts and can't help buying more and more gemstones. I have probably acquired enough gemstones to last me several lifetimes but I'm always attracted to pretty new things. What you can't use another can and swaps are commonplace and an easy way to get rid of your unwanted stones for someone else's.

Gem and rock shows are a gem addicts heaven (or hell if you run out of money). More lovely things than you could shake a big stick at and all at different quality and prices. It strikes me as madness to buy glass or plastic beads when genuine gemstones can be bought for little more and sometimes much less.

Online suppliers are everywhere and can be confusing in their sheer numbers. Depending on what I need at the time- and I buy a lot of things that are not gemstones such as tools, glue, wires etc - I go to different suppliers. It always pays to shop around if getting good prices are important to you.

My main source of gemstones is www.jewellerymaker.com which is a television sales channel. Their website is always good value for money and everything they sell is good quality. They have a 30 day no quibble returns policy which I know from personal experience is excellent. There is only one postage charge per day @ £2.95 for the UK no matter how much or how many items you order. They transmit 12 hours a day from 9 am to 9 pm before the show is uploaded to you tube and is a combination of live sales, demonstrations and masterclasses.

Experts demonstrate in a range of multi media subjects and is a very valuable resource for that alone. If you are able to watch the show live however is the best way to buy at VERY good, reduced prices. The presenters are knowledgable and amusing in their delivery and I enjoy the show very much. I usually have it on in the background until something of interest to me comes up either in a demonstration or gemstones and tools.

Please feel free to contact me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wirewizardz or by email hargreaves_mark@sky.com and I'll do my best to help.