[pearlescence]

Does anyone know a source for silver or gold body jewellery findings - ie belly button bars etc - with a post for a half drilled, or a loop to attach a wire wrapped full drill?
I've been unsuccessfully looking for ages
thanks

[knotty panda]

http://www.alonifindings.com/Finding...ry_details.htm

I've never purchased from them, but it's a starting point.

[J Marcus]

I just happened to notice this afternoon that Stuller Findings lists findings for body jewelry. I'm not sure what they're like though. They can be reached during business hours at: 1-800-877-7777.

Marc
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com

[pearlescence]

Thanks both - I'll work through the websites (they both look huge)

[Mervione]

How come Stuller only sells to "qualified members of the jewelry trade"? I find it quite annoying. I managed to find those few gold head pins at Riogrande in 14 karat, but now I´m looking for 18 karat and 22 too but can´t find any... Found a few at Stuller but then there´s that problem that I´m not a company. You are quite restricted when you can only make things in 14 karat because you can´t find any pins in 18 and 22. I got links from members in the thread I made about gold headpins, some said that I should mail and ask, and I did so but I haven´t got any replies from any of them yet.

[GemGeek]

Rio Grande is set up to serve every size customer. Stuller is set up to serve brick and mortar jewelry stores and small manufacturers. For instance, they only ship Fed-Ex.

[J Marcus]

I believe that to qualify with Stuller you simply need to have a resale number and submit an application. They deal with the size of one's operation/purchases by the fact that when you buy items in larger quantities they cost less. As for Fed Ex, the reason that they only ship with them is that they have negotiated extremely good terms with them and therefore the shipping is quite reasonable considering the fast service. Many retailers have "issues" with Rio Grande because they sell to the public for the same price as to those in the trade.

Another approach that may be worth your while would be to find a studio goldsmith who works with higher karat golds and see if they will make some for you.

Marc
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com/home.html

[Mervione]

What´s a resale number? I guess I should try to find a goldsmith to make some for me.

[GemGeek]

Originally Posted by J Marcus

I believe that to qualify with Stuller you simply need to have a resale number and submit an application. They deal with the size of one's operation/purchases by the fact that when you buy items in larger quantities they cost less. As for Fed Ex, the reason that they only ship with them is that they have negotiated extremely good terms with them and therefore the shipping is quite reasonable considering the fast service. Many retailers have "issues" with Rio Grande because they sell to the public for the same price as to those in the trade.

Another approach that may be worth your while would be to find a studio goldsmith who works with higher karat golds and see if they will make some for you.

Marc
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com/home.html

I wasn't arguing about the desirability of Stuller. I love Stuller.

Mervione asked why Stuller only sells to "qualified members of the jewelry trade". My answer: Stuller's intended market is the B&M jewelry store and the small manufacturer. (Maybe the FedEx example wasn't a good one.)

Stuller did have a vetting process to prove that I had a legitimate business as opposed to a hobby. After filling out the online form, I had to submit: personalized business card, a copy of an advertisement that specifies jewelry and copies of invoices from jewelry wholesalers that strictly sell to wholesale businesses.

As for Rio Grande, they made me fax them my resale license before doing business with them, so maybe they've cleaned up their act.

I love your idea about approaching a goldsmith. A goldsmith who also has a shop that could use some pearls in their inventory would be an even better bet!

Cheers,
Blaire

[J Marcus]

[quote=GemGeek;35383]I wasn't arguing about the desirability of Stuller. I love Stuller. /QUOTE]

I didn't think that you were, Blaire. Sorry if I gave you that impression. I'm a bit of an information geek and tend, at times, to blather on undetered by my own ignorance. I've always worked for one or another jewelry store/manufacturer (small, custom) so it's just been easier for me to order through them and so wasn't aware of Stuller's vetting process. I do have a Rio account but have always been a bit miffed with their policy in the past. I wasn't aware of their asking for resale license copies now either. Glad to hear it. They've been trying very hard to place themselves dead center in the jewelry manufacturing equipment and supplies segment of the industry for years now so it comes as no great surprise.

When it comes to the arcane and uncommon, most of the larger companies just aren't set up to deal with such things and when they do they usually job such stuff out to a subcontractor who also has to make a profit in the items. If you can find the right goldsmith you can cut out the middle-man and often buy at a good price for things that are very unique.

Mervione: The suppliers qualify their customers as re-sellers because the manufacturers and retailers they sell to tend to take it very badly if the suppliers are selling to the public and undercutting their price. They tend to consider it an unfair trade practice. Frankly, retail sales, especially if it's through brick and mortar operations is very expensive and hard work as well and most jewelry retailers earn every penny they make. If one sells wholesale then one chooses to sell at a lower price to retailers in exchange for forgoing the expense and hassle of retailing. It's fair. To get a resale number you must apply to your local Department of Licensing for a resale license and they will issue you your number.

Marc
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com/home.html

[GemGeek]

If a resale license is a problem, Fire Mountain has a great selection of jewelry-making supplies at reasonable prices, especially if you buy in quantity. And there are all kinds of instructions and projects. www.firemountaingems.com