Where to buy loose gemstone beads?

[Precious Pearl]

I have seen such a lovely pearl strand with freshwater pearls mixed with gemstones but it very pricey (from a "designer brand"). I am sure something similar could be done if the gemstone beads could be sourced. Does someone know a good source for such beads? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[KarinK]

Search for a bead shop in your area so you can see them in person. It's been a while since I bought beads but I used to have a lot of choice online. I would buy less expensive beads/gems from places like Fire Mountain Gem and nicer ones at The Curious Gem.

 

[Precious Pearl]

Search for a bead shop in your area so you can see them in person. It's been a while since I bought beads but I used to have a lot of choice online. I would buy less expensive beads/gems from places like Fire Mountain Gem and nicer ones at The Curious Gem.

Thanks for your reply! I am not sure if there are so many bead shops where I live. I found one store but they sold strands, not loose pearls. I will have a look at The Curious Gem to see if I can find something there (I think I will have to buy online).

 

[Marianne]

Hi Precious Pearl. If you want to create a strand similar to the one your posted, you will need a full strand of pearls plus some loose assorted gemstone beads. I think the main thing to consider is the size of the drill holes in the gemstone beads which might be significantly smaller than the drill holes in the pearls.

 

[pattye]

Sometimes you can find a strand of mixed type of gemstones, or a strand of gems that have a range of colors like tourmaline does. I searched "multicolor tourmaline beads" on etsy and found a number of options and sizes. What a lovely way to personalize a classic pearl necklace.

 

[KarinK]

You might be able to find single beads on Etsy. Just be sure to check reviews and gut feeling. Marianne has a very good point. I have worked a lot with semi-precious beads and often the holes are not drilled quite the same and if you have several to choose from, you have a better chance of finding a match for the drill holes. You should also consider what material you string with. The stone might cut a thread.

 

[mattharris]

A few suggestions for you... Babs Bead Warehouse, Fire Mountain Gems. Of course Etsy as mentioned too. Many beads are super cheap so you might not want to spend the time looking for singles, but rather just buy the strands.

 

[A Breaker]

I have liked Tejas Beads for small gems...but for big gems...there are Gem & jewelry shows in most big (& even small cities) I would go and look in person. Bella Findings (great for typical pearl clasps) also has gem stands... nice quality but I only bought 2 inexpensive ones. You might see if Linda (a lowly beader will tell where she got her lovely gems!)

 

[ennui]

If you're looking for inexpensive gemstone beads, try Goodwill or local charity shops. You'd be surprised what people donate. You can take them apart and use what you like.

 

[linda.wald]

Hello, I am lucky that I have a bead store (Bead Source, also on Etsy) and can actually go look. They do sell individual beads, but I don't know about online. Mostly I buy strands, except for the fancy "focus beads" that are probably not what you want. I've gotten some magnificent beads at the Intergem shows (https://www.intergem.com/all-upcoming-shows#search-by-state). There is the Gem Bee, on eBay and Etsy, and Intrinsic Trading, among others. I find that unused beads find a place eventually! Oh, and A Place to Bead, near Pasadena, has some short strands of vintage beads. I don't know if they sell online, but here is their website: http://aplace2bead.com/. There is Druzy Design on eBay that often has short strands of 4 or 5 beads. Just as a side note, I find that a bracelet strand from CMW pearls is just about right for a tin cup necklace. You could also buy bracelets and dismantle them. Good luck!

 

[Precious Pearl]

Hi Precious Pearl. If you want to create a strand similar to the one your posted, you will need a full strand of pearls plus some loose assorted gemstone beads. I think the main thing to consider is the size of the drill holes in the gemstone beads which might be significantly smaller than the drill holes in the pearls.

May I ask what size of the drill hole should I look for? What is the common size in pearls?

 

[A Breaker]

Etsy has some common drill hole sizes among pearl sellers. often there are 2-3 choices plus oversized or large size.