Where to shop
One of the most helpful things that metalsmiths can share with each other is how and where you get your materials, tools, and stones. Sharing is caring and shopping the internet can be overwhelming and disappointing when your package arrives and it wasn’t what you expected… In this post we’re going to share with you some of our favorites. We’ve gathered these recommended vendors from our instructors and other community members. Hope it helps!
Go To Suppliers (tools & materials)
Pepe Tools
www.pepetools.com
What we buy: Specialty and precision tools
Halstead Beads
www.halsteadbead.com
What we buy: findings, chain, components
Note: Halstead has an excellent blog that focuses mostly on jewelry business developement. They also host a FREE online “jewelry business forum” conference annually.
Quality Gold
www.qgold.com/home
What we buy: Mostly chain, but they have alllll things manufactured jewelry. They bought HERCO, a couple years ago, previously my go to gold chain dealer.
Rio Grande
www.riogrande.com
What we buy: 80% of my materials and tools from here. This is my go to.
Note: Not always the cheapest, but huge selection and good quality
Stuller
www.stuller.com
What we buy: Gold and Faceted Stones
Otto Frei
www.ottofrei.com
What we buy: Jewelry Kits - Great price and the right tools (not bloated with a bunch of stuff you don't need)
Impress Art
https://www.impressart.com/
What we buy: Stamps!
Note: They also have a huge selection of stamping blanks.
cabochon & Gemstone Suppliers
Columbia Gem House
www.columbiagemhouse.com
What we buy: Ethical faceted gemstones, large inventory & good pricing, easy shopping.
Note: Get a wholesale account for best prices
Misfits Diamonds
www.misfitdiamonds.com
What we buy: Ethical, antique, and uniquely shaped and included diamonds and sapphires.
Gods Own Paintings
Instagram Account
What we buy: Dendritic Agates
Note: This is a private Instagram account. Must follow to see agates.
Lucidity Gems
https://www.luciditygemstones.com/
What we buy: Rosecut gemstones
Arroks Rocks
www.etsy.com/shop/ArroksRocks
What we buy: Good quality unique materials - Cabs
One of a Kind
www.etsy.com/shop/oneofakindwire
What we buy: Unique Cabs
Note: HUGE selection if you visit them in person at a gem/mineral show
Fire Mountain Gems
www.firemountaingems.com
What we buy: bulk calibrated stones
Note: Loads of beading supplies and findings
Gary Wilson
Rock Hound Gary on Instagram
What we buy: Unique Cabs
Honestly the best way to get stones is to buy them in person. We highly recommend going to gem & mineral shows! You will not be disappointed. Here in Kansas City, we have a twice yearly show that has great stone cutters and lapidary artists selling their wares. You can also find jewelry tools, findings, crystals, display materials, and all kinds of other goodies. Kelly got the opportunity to go to the HUGE Tuscon show a few years ago, and can't wait to get back. We’ve also heard great things about the Denver show, but have never been.
Kansas City Gem & Mineral Show
www.showsofintegrity.com
www.kcgemshow.org
Held in March and November
Tuscon Gem & Mineral Show
www.tgms.org
Held in February
For tips on Attending the Gem and Mineral Show, Read our blog post!
specialty suppliers
Reactive Metals
www.reactivemetals.com
What we buy: Unique metal and unique patinas
MOO Printing
https://www.moo.com/us/
What we buy: High quality printed marketing materials, biz cards, stickers, tape.
Cool Tools
www.cooltools.us
What we buy: Stencils and freeform (non-calibrated) Stones
Note: They have a ton of PMC (precious metal clay) stuff
Metalliferous
www.metalliferous.com
What we buy: Brass
Eco Enclose
https://www.ecoenclose.com/
What we buy: Sustainable packaging & shipping
Specialty service providers
Sydney Pener
www.sydneypener.com
What we buy: specialty casting
Note: Sydney is local to KC and available for casting private lessons or to cast for you in bronze & precious metals.
Hiles Plating
hilesplating.com
What we buy: Gold and Silver Plating
Note: based in KC
CJ Calhoun
cjcalhoun@calhounsjewelers.com
What we buy: specialty hand engraving
Note: CJ is local and available for contract hand engraving. Contact him directly for pricing and possibilities.
Techform
https://techformcasting.com/
What we buy: silicone molds & platinum castings
Louise Partain - Delicate Hammer Studio
www.delicatehammerstudio.com
What we buy: Contract stone setting
Note: email Louise directly for details & pricing
Hopefully you found some of this information helpful. If you want more recommendations, you might check out THIS blog post about tools needed to get started silversmithing.