Adding metal beads to your jewelry designs can take them to another level. There are several things that you will need to take into consideration when you decide to start using them. I’ll try to stick to resources I use for metal beads here. Where shall we start?

Sterling silver is currently the most popular metal used for beads. Current market trends can be a bit misleading, though. Sterling silver is a minimum of 92.5% pure silver with the additional 7.5% being, most often, copper.

Hill Tribes Silver is a new addition to the market. It is almost pure silver, often with a 99% silver content. Because of this, the beads made from them are often softer, but they are much more tarnish resistant. Hill Tribes silver is handmade in the hills of Thailand by tribal silversmiths using techniques that are passed down through the generations.

There is a lot of “silver” out there with different names, such as German silver, alpaca silver, and nickel silver. These are NOT sterling silver as they have a lower silver content.

When buying metal beads, check the holes! On lower quality sterling beads you may find the holes are not even, or are misshapen, thus, not allowing your stringing material to pass through.

Always use stringing material that is abrasion resistant to string your metal beads! Soft Flex is my favorite.

Often times your sterling beads will show up a bit dull. If this is the case, simply use a jewelry cleaning solution on your beads before you string them. This will often clean all the grime from them and bring back the shine. This works with solid copper as well. You can try it on plated metal beads, but, you’re on your own there. I’ve never done it, and don’t plan on trying it.

Now on to the good stuff…where to get metal beads! Here’s my list

• Artistry In Silver – Hands down, the BEST sterling silver beads I’ve ever seen. They also carry solid bronze beads and findings, which I LOVE as well. Great prices and great service!
• Tierra Cast – Lead free pewter in amazing designs and finishes. I’ve used them for years and love them, they’re the ONLY pewter I’ll use. Only buy from reputable dealers so you know you’re getting the real thing. Their pieces are TOP quality. Rip offs have messy seams, poor finish, and can have have dangerous metals in them! Go to their website, and look around, then fill out this form and you’ll be shopping in no time. Get ready to DROOL!
• Rings and Things – They have a great selection of copper beads and findings! The quality of their copper is far better than any others I’ve seen. Prices are great as well!
• Fire Mounain Gems - I DON’T buy my sterling silver beads from them. It’s overpriced and a bit, ummmm, messy. I do, however, buy my solid copper beads and clasps from them. This Assortment is my favorite.

That’s it. Three places. I don’t use a lot of metal in my designs these days, other than copper. The price of sterling has gone through the roof, and, well, I find that using a lot of metal just isn’t my style. :)

9 Comments »

Trackback URI | Comments RSS