Hi MsLondon,
Sounds like you are looking for multiple strands of the basics; based on that assumption you might get in touch with Amrita, one of our members here, her website is
www.harmonypearls.com. DruzyDesign has more exotic pearls, but one of a kind generally, fabulous stuff, though! Don't know what you will find in beading stores. That could vary depending on the owner's knowledge about pearls. And one would probably pay more.
You might also try Terry at
www.thepearloutlet.com to see if he would sell unfinished strands. You will get the consistent quality you want.
The ongoing problems with ordering direct from China can be,
1. communication difficult
2. sizes are smaller than indicated due to "Chinese" sizing, which you may have already read about here
3. No accurate grading system
4. Difficult to return if dissatisfied
5. "Round" is quite egg shaped.
6. If you order pink, it will likely be peach.
Will this be an ongoing course? Sounds like great fun! Glad you found us here, we do have many online dealers, these are just a few, some are specialized in high end pearls,
www.kojimapearl.com.
Please tell us more! You did give me a chuckle with "spending too much time on this site--------!"
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time