Professional jewelry designers and novices alike want to find the best possible prices for their supplies. When searching for affordable supplies there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, what will you be making?
Careful planning will go a long way in saving you money. Having a design idea and determining a color scheme will be very beneficial when you begin your supply search.
After you have decided what you want to make, say a beaded necklace or a charm bracelet you should decide what grade material you want to use. When searching for jewelry findings, gold and silver toned base metals are very inexpensive. Base metal findings, such as eye pins, charms and clasps can be great for beginners who wish to perfect their techniques without spending a lot of money. They are also a cost effective way to try out new ideas and color combinations before committing to a final design. Unfortunately, as you might expect, base metal can chip, flake and fade relatively quickly. This can be disappointing if you have invested a lot of time into making a piece of jewelry. Silver and gold findings are more expensive but they can be worth the investment for this very reason. To save on sterling silver and genuine gold findings consider buying the items you use frequently in bulk. Most suppliers will offer a discount on larger quantities.
If you plan on using beads in your project there are a quite a few options that won't break the bank. Synthetic crystal beads come in a huge variety of colors and cuts and can be found at a fraction of the price of genuine crystal beads. You can also find beads made of synthetic bone, shell, stone, coral and wood. Synthetic materials cost much less than the real thing, and if they are a high quality synthetic, they can be very convincing. If you plan on using only genuine materials, many gemstone, crystal and specialty bead suppliers offer a discount on assortment packages. The contents of assortment packages are chosen by the supplier according to their needs and are designed to save you money.
If you really want to be a savvy shopper you should have a strategy before you begin your supply hunt. Knowing what you intend to make and what type of materials you intend to use will help you keep your production cost down. It is easy to get distracted by the overwhelming variety of materials available. Making a list is very helpful. Lists can keep you focused on the specific items you need, and help you avoid spending too much on impulsive purchases.
Know where to shop.
Local craft supply stores can be limited in variety; however, you can sometimes find very good bargains. Discontinued or overstocked items are often offered at deep discounts. Another way to save is by taking advantage of frequent buyer discount programs offered by many craft stores. Specialty stores can be a bit pricey, but again if you keep your eyes open for overstocked and discontinued items you can make some really terrific purchases.
Some jewelry designers prefer to shop on-line. There are many on-line retailers that offer a great selection of jewelry supplies. One thing to remember when shopping on-line is that you will most likely incur a shipping charge. It is helpful to note where the company is located and how much it will cost to ship to your area. Look for special offers. Sometimes you can find supply companies that offer free shipping on your first order, or on an order that totals a given amount. I have even encountered some suppliers that include a free gift with each shipment. This is a great way for the suppliers to generate customer loyalty, after all, who doesn't like surprise gifts? It is also a great way for you to experiment with the different products the supplier has to offer. On-line auctions are another excellent way to find supplies. Often you can find items you use regularly at wholesale prices. You can bid on a fantastic one of a kind piece or stock up on bulk items.
Another way to save money on your jewelry supplies is to scout your local yard sales and flea markets. Often you can find broken or outdated jewelry that can be salvaged and transformed into a new piece. An orphaned earring can be made into an eye-catching pendant. The charms on a bracelet can be made into earrings. Have fun. Be creative. One note of caution here, it might be wise to make sure the piece of salvaged jewelry you pick up isn't a valuable antique.
Consider found objects.
Many jewelry designers use found objects in their pieces. Found objects are great because they are free! Shells can be collected, cleaned and easily drilled to make pendants, earrings and bracelets. I have seen designers use sea glass to make everything from anklets to broaches. Decretive zipper-pulls can make excellent charms. Soda cans can be easily cut and manipulated into a variety of shapes to make pins or pendants. Buttons are a popular choice when using found objects. There are even designers that make their own beads out of rose petals. Take a look around your house; around your neighborhood, even around your garden, the possibilities are limitless.
Splurge.
Ok I know this isn't the most cost-effective way to make affordable jewelry; however, if you have saved yourself some money by making smart purchases and using found objects, than occasionally allowing yourself to splurge on something special can make your jewelry more interesting and more valuable. Hand made lampwork beads, for example, are usually pricey because they take a good deal of time and effort to make, sometimes though it's that one special bead or trinket that makes your jewelry truly unique.
Finding affordable supplies for your jewelry making is not difficult. A good plan will save you time and money. Being creative with found objects and yard sale bargains will stretch your dollar even further. Remember to check craft stores frequently for sale items. Be on the watch for great deals and you will find them. Most importantly, have fun!
