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What’s better than making jewelry? How about saving money while you’re doing it? Beads, wire, stones and tools can add up to a mighty sum. Jewelry tools and jewelry supplies can add up to a small fortune if you let it. Here are some great ideas for saving money on beads and such.

1. Shop Around and Do Some Research.

It’s good to shop around and see where the deals are. Us creative folks tend to be quite loyal, but there is nothing wrong with looking outside your usual supplier for your beading needs. There are a lot of great sources online, and be sure to sign up for newsletters to get those money saving email notices.

2. Buy in Bulk When You Can.

Buying in bulk can save you a bundle. This doesn’t only apply to rice and toilet paper. You’d be amazed of how much you can save by buying a certain amount of beads, wire, chain… My favorite supplier has deals at certain price points for beads, and if you are buying sterling silver or gold sheet or wire, I don’t have to tell you about the bulk price breaks there, do I? You’ll need this stuff eventually, so in the long run, you save time too!

3. Watch for Garage Sales.

Other people’s junk can be a jewelry maker’s treasure. Don’t necessarily look at an item “as is”. Remember that everything can be taken apart and used for its spareparts.
Old costume jewelry necklaces for example can be taken apart and components can be reused. What about old watches? The Steampunk movement has made watch parts a hot commodity. Even if you don’t do the Steampunk thing yourself, you can barter watch parts with another crafter to get stuff she doesn’t need, but you do!

4. Check out Thrift stores.

Other than bell-bottoms and romance novels, there are other great finds in those mothball-smelling treasure troves. They are one of the best places to find old costume jewelry, and I’m talking CHEAP! And if you’re really lucky and determined, you might even find some actual vintage pieces.

5. Think Outside of the Bead Box.

As my 6-yewar-old daughter says, we need to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle more. Jewelry can literally be made out of anything, so look around. Bits of ribbon, bottle caps, game pieces, and those old watches once again… getting creative will save you money and result in a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

6. Shop at the Hardware Store instead of the Bead Store.

If you need wire, chains, links and the like, head to the source! Amid countless racks, rolls and hardware bins you will find jewelry fixings at rock-bottom prices. My favorite hardware store jewelry supply is black annealed steel wire in 18 gauge. There’s usually a good supply of copper wire in different gauges at my local harware store too. You will also find other things you can’t live without, such as storage bins and baskets, small hand tools, and soldering equipment.

7. Barter and Trade.

Don’t forget the best way to get stuff for free – by trading your worthless junk for someone else’s treasure. Of course what’s worthless to one isn’t to another, so those beads and wire that you hate might be just the ticket for someone else. There are many jewelry making forums online that have a “barter board”. See if you can’t find someone to trade with there.

8. Group Buys

Another ways to save money is to buy in bulk with others. If you don’t need 5 troy ounces of sterling silver wire but still want that price break, see if you can find someone to go in with you. If you are part of a Bead Society that is a great place to inquire. You can also post classified ads, look on jewelry making forums, or post the request on twitter to see if you can find some thrifty buying partners.

9. Ask for Supplies for Christmas or Your Birthday

Have you ever gotten a birthday gift that just wasn’t all that useful to you? What about that ugly vase or those Halloween seasonal towels that you never remember to take out during the Halloween season. People often hate trying to find the “perfect gift” and would love to have you tell them what you’d like. Don’t be shy with friends and family. They would rather get you something you love and enjoy than buy you another Santa mug at Christmas. Once they know you want bead store gift cards, they’ll be thrilled to not have to think about what to get you.

As you can see, there are tons of ways to save money if you are resourceful. Don’t get stuck thinking you can’t afford the good stuff, because you can if you take some extra effort.

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The designer Pilgrim Jewellery is gaining widespread popularity because of its unique and lovely designs. An entire collection of stunning necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings is available out there at totally reasonable prices. The company is based in Denmark and offers seasonal jewellery to their customers in a range of charming designs and patterns. The materials used are non-allergic and high quality. One such bracelet is the Gold/Brown bracelet which is available for $37 and is composed of gold beads and Swarovski crystals. Since it is made of a knotted cotton cord it does not cause any allergic reactions. The bracelet is perfect for young girls.

The materials most commonly seen in this type of jewellery are Austrian Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and acrylic stones. Crystal glass beads from Austria are the finest quality beads one can find out there. You will also find lovely rhinestones in this category which are matchless and extremely beautiful. The beads come in a range of thrilling and invigorating colors like purple, light blue, crystal white, black, brown, pink, maroon and yellow. Beads that show different hues of color in different lights are also available. Jewellery made of these wonderful beads and crystals is unique and alluring.

Freshwater pearls used in the Pilgrim Jewellery are simply gorgeous. These pearls come in a variety of shapes and are used as they are naturally. This increases the appeal of jewellery and makes it totally chic and stylish. The good thing about these pearls is that they are not very expensive which makes them an excellent choice for contemporary fashion and costume jewellery. You can find freshwater pearls in colors like champagne, mauve, white, black and pink. They are available in shapes ranging from round to cornflake and button. Low grade as well as high grade pearls can be found in this category to make attractive and one-of-a-kind jewellery articles.

The third category of materials used in the designer Pilgrim Jewellery is the acrylic stones category. Acrylic opaque stones as well as rhinestones are easily available out there. You can find these stones in a number of shapes and cuts including heart shaped gems and oval cabochons. Again this is an inexpensive class of non-precious gemstones which can be used for making affordable yet beautiful and high class jewellery. Acrylic stones are available in a range of faceted shapes like octagon, triangle, star, heart, diamond, and baguette.

Most of the materials used in Pilgrim Jewellery are inexpensive but they are of the finest quality possible. That is why this type of fashion jewellery is available at very reasonable prices and is affordable for people from all walks of life. The unique necklaces and stunning bracelets offered by Pilgrim are loved by thousands of people across the globe. The jewellery is made by using silver and gold plates instead of solid gold and silver. This makes it less costly than other types of designer jewellery available on the market. If you are looking for exceptional necklaces and earrings to give away as gifts, do check out this amazing collection.

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