Jewelry Making FAQs: Bead & Jewelry Making Supplies-BeadingSource.com

We receive many questions about the difference in precious metals and the actual definition of each precious metal. Many beaders are unclear about the difference between gold beads, gold-filled beads and gold-plated beads, for instance. There are many jewelry makers who don't understand why the price of their sterling silver beads and gold beads keeps going up. Price fluctuations in precious metals is difficult to understand and even more difficult to track!

We have tried to take some of the mystery about beads through a series of definitions and information. Please let us know how we can expand our FAQ's about beads through our 'provide feedback' link.

Precious Metals - What are the metals that are considered precious and why?

Price Fluctuations in Precious Metals - Why do the prices of Sterling Silver Beads and Gold Beads change?

Sterling Silver Beads - What is the definition of a Sterling Silver Bead and how do I take care of it?

Bali Beads - What is considered a Bali Bead and why are they so popular?

Gold Beads - What is the difference between a Gold Bead, a Gold-filled Bead and a Gold-plated Bead?

Vermeil Beads - What is a Vermeil Bead - a Gold Bead or a Silver Bead?

Cloisonné Beads - What is a Cloisonné Bead and how is it made?

Base Metal Beads - What is considered a Base Metal Bead and why does it resemble a Gold Bead or a Sterling Silver Bead?

Essential Bead Measurements

Gram Weight Defined - Want to buy Bali beads but don't know what 10 grams of bali beads means?

Common Units in Purchasing Beads - If you bought a gross, how many beads can you expect?

jewerly making projects

Millimeters Defined - What bead millimeter size should I use for my beading projects?

Number of Beads Needed - How many beads do you need for a typical jewelry making project?

Calculation of Beads Needed - How bead projects

can you calculate how many beads you need for your jewelry project?

Standard Necklace Lengths - Making a necklace? Make sure you make it the correct length!

Beading Wire Gauge Sizes - The gauge size is the diameter of the beading wire. Learn more.

Jewelry Making Books and Beading Magazines

Beading magazines are a great way to find out about the latest trends in the jewelry making business. Jewelry making magazines also give helpful tips for every level of jewelry maker.

Bead Books give a detailed description and many pictures of specific jewelry making techniques. A specific jewelry making technique that you would like to incorporate into your jewelry making hobby or bead business can be self-taught through these wonderful jewelry making books.

Bead Magazines

See our large selection of Jewelry Making Magazines

Jewelry Making Books

See our large selection of Bead Books

Bead Shows and Jewelry Making Supplies

Bead shows come in a number of different forms. There are very large bead shows - The Tucson Bead Show and InterGem in NYC immediately come to mind - and there are also smaller, local bead shows that come around twice per year. You may need proof of your business and a tax ID to attend some shows. Most likely, if you need a tax ID then the bead show sells wholesale beads and wholesale bead supplies. Other bead shows are open to all beaders.

Attending bead shows is a very useful tool for beaders of all levels whether you are new to beading or you are an experienced beader.

Many trends in the upcoming jewelry season are showcased at bead shows including hot colors and popular stone types. Remember the turquoise stone trend that was all the rage a few years ago?

Also, bead shows introduce you to new bead suppliers that you may not have found online - after all the web is a very large place to negotiate! And bead shows also introduce you to new jewelry findings and jewelry stones that you have not previously used before. Sometimes, demonstrations on jewelry making or beading tips are offered at these bead shows.

As you may have figured out by now, bead shows can be very useful to the hobbiest beader as well as a jewelry maker running a very profitable jewelry business. I have summarized a few different sites here so that you can see if there is anything you may think is a worthwhile investment of your time.

Start a Jewelry Business

Turn an Arts and Crafts Hobby Into a Business - Jewelry making is a great hobby that you really enjoy. Thinking about making money with your hobby?

start your own jewelry making business

Getting Started Selling Your Crafts - You want to sell your jewelry, but how? There are many ways to sell but you also need to determine at what price and how to market.

Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items - Price you craft show jewelry so that you make a profit but don't turn off customers with your price. Make enough for the show without going crazy.

Are You Making Money at Craft Shows? -Work smart to maximize your time, your sales and your profit.

Tips for Attending Gemstone Shows - You can be like a kid in a candy shop when attending a gem show. How to not lose your head and spend too much money!

Home Jewelry Making Business Package - The research to starting a jewelry making business has already been done - don't reinvent the wheel. Gain from others' expertise.

The Business of Beading - Want to get up and started immediately. Here's everything you need and everything you need to know all in one kit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beads