Copper Beads and Findings - Hot Trend for 2009

As the price of precious metals goes through the roof in this roller-coaster economy, less expensive metal beads and findings have become more popular. One trend that I have fully embraced is the wide range of new copper beads and findings available from many suppliers. (You can find a list of links to the suppliers mentioned at the bottom of this article.)

The variety is incredible. There are simple, smooth copper rounds; copper beads made in the style of the ever-popular Bali silver beads; copper toggles and crimps; and copper charms and pendants. You can get items in a bright finish to add a bit of shine to your work, or you can opt for a more subtle, “antique” finish that will lend a touch of warmth without overpowering your design.

Fire Mountain Gems is one my favorite sources for copper findings. They carry fancy copper headpins, copper earring findings in several different styles, bead caps, spacer beads, clasps, crimps, charms and pendants of all kinds. With their assortable pricing structure, it makes these beads a real bargain if you can place a large order.

For beautiful, imaginative copper beads, check out the selection at Artbeads.com. They have beautifully patterned focal beads, whimsical sculptural beads, detailed spacer beads, and unusual lockets and pendants. These are the most artistic and whimsical copper beads I could find from any of the major bead and jewelry suppliers, and even though the prices of some of the larger pieces rival the cost of a precious metal pendant, the quality makes them well worth it.

Gemshow-online had the best selection of Bali-style copper spacers and rondelles. They also carry copper crimps, jumprings, pendants and charms. Abeadstore.com had a nice sampling of copper spacer beads, beadcaps, and findings. Other great places to look for copper beads and findings would be in the supplies category on Etsy and on eBay.

If you do a little online detective work, you will find some great deals on beautiful copper beads and findings. With the range of bright copper beads available, you may never want to go back to using gold-filled beads and findings again.

Links:
Fire Mountain Gems
Artbeads
Gemshow-online
Abeadstore
Etsy