Buying Your Beads: When to Spend, When to Save

Everyone is pinching pennies these days in this roller-coaster economy, but those of us who create with beads still want to be able to make gorgeous wearable art. The question for us now becomes, do I spend a lot of money on that strand of beads or do I purchase something less expensive?

There are a few things to keep in mind when making that decision. First of all, you want to think carefully about if your budget will allow you to spend $85 on that strand of watermelon Tourmaline that you just have to have. If it means eating macaroni and cheese out of the box for a week, you should probably think twice before you buy. (Unless, of course, you LIKE macaroni and cheese out of a box.) A few years ago, I purchased an incredible strand of rough-cut labradorite slab beads from a gem shop in New Hampshire - and spent the next week eating rice and beans.

You should also find out as much as you can about the quality of the beads that you are buying. Find out if they are treated in any way - some gemstone beads are dyed, irradiated or made from crushed gemstone held together with resin. If you avoid buying enhanced gemstones, you are more likely to end up with a quality strand of beads for the price. Even if they are a few dollars more, your creations will be of a higher quality when you use higher quality materials.

Your findings and other materials should be considered, as well. As the price of precious metals goes up, you want to carefully consider the amount you spend on these findings and beads. You also want to make sure that you are buying quality beads and findings made from precious metals as well - do not buy anything that looks to be defective, no matter how good the "bargain".

There are a number of great alternatives to pricey precious metals on the market today. Some suppliers are coming out with beautiful, well-made gold and silver-plated findings and beads as well as beads and findings made from copper and brass. There are even some beautiful and well-made findings in base metals such as nickel. But be careful - some people have allergies to base metals and if you sell your jewelry, you want to make sure that your customers are aware of this.

When buying backing for bead embroidery, Sensuede or Ultrasuede are the best deals for the money. I have tried other similar fabrics that cost less, but they do not hold up as well and they do not give the pieces the same, buttery-soft feeling that I so enjoy when touching them. One of my sources frequently offers free shipping on their Sensuede, and I take advantage of those offers when they come around.

The bottom line is what you feel comfortable buying with your bottom line. Don't blow the bank on something of questionable quality. But if your budget will allow, do spend a few extra dollars for a high quality product. Your beadwork will thank you for it.