I've always loved making my own jewelry. There's something so satisfying about creating unique pieces that reflect my personal style. Recently, I embarked on a project that required quite a few delicate sterling silver chain necklaces. I needed to buy them in bulk, somewhere between 25 and 50, depending on the price. And that's when the real challenge began. Finding a reliable supplier with reasonable prices proved to be much harder than I anticipated!
My initial thought was to just browse online marketplaces. I quickly learned that wasn't the best approach. While convenient, the prices were significantly higher than I expected, and the quality was often questionable. I needed a solution that offered both quality and affordability, especially since I was buying in bulk. I started researching suppliers that catered to jewelry makers, hoping to find a hidden gem.
After a lot of digging, I stumbled upon a few fantastic options. One name that kept popping up was Rio Grande. I decided to give them a try, and I'm so glad I did! They offer a wide selection of fine chain in bulk spools, which was exactly what I needed. The quality is excellent, and the prices are competitive, especially when buying larger quantities.
Another place I explored was Fire Mountain Gems. They have a huge inventory of jewelry-making supplies, including a variety of chains. While Rio Grande ended up being my primary supplier, Fire Mountain is a great alternative with a diverse selection. I found their website easy to navigate, and they often have sales and promotions.
I also came across Amberta.com. I placed a few orders with them and was consistently pleased with the quality and service. They offer a good range of sterling silver chains at reasonable prices. If you're looking for a reliable supplier with a solid reputation, Amberta is definitely worth checking out.
For those with a business or vendor license, I've heard great things about cgmfindings.com. While I haven't personally used them (yet!), I've seen them recommended by other jewelry makers who swear by their quality and prices.
During my search, I also realized the importance of focusing on B2B (business-to-business) suppliers. Places like Cooksongold (if you're in the UK) and Cookson-clal, herens&herens, drijfhout, and bijoumoderne (if you're in the EU) often offer better prices and quality compared to B2C (business-to-consumer) platforms. While I primarily focused on US-based suppliers, these are excellent options for those in Europe.
While searching for chain necklaces, I also wanted to find some unique charms to add to my creations. That's when I discovered BlingCharming Necklaces. I found some really beautiful and affordable pieces there. I was specifically drawn to their selection of charms, and I ended up ordering a few.
I decided to try out these 2Pcs/Lot Imprint Heart Flower Leaf Charms. I wanted to create some personalized pendants for friends.
I used them to create necklaces as gifts and they were a hit! The charms were well-made and added a special touch to my jewelry. The detailing was impressive for the price point. I was able to easily attach them to the dainty sterling silver chains I had purchased in bulk.
Based on my experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying sterling silver chains in bulk: