The Hidden Gem: top tips for finding local jewellery suppliers
So, you want to start jewellery making but don’t know where to find jewellery suppliers in your country? Here are our top tips for finding tools and materials for jewellery making where you are.
Start with a Google search
Let’s start with the basics - a Google search.
Search for ‘jewellery supplier your country’ or get specific with the type of material or tool you need e.g. ‘gemstone beads your country’ or ‘silver sheet your country’
If you are doing one of our online courses, there will be a full list of the tools and materials you need for that project so you can get really specific with your search terms.
Hopefully, this will find you a wealth of shops you can purchase from in your country.
2. Etsy
You may not realise this but Etsy is a great place to search for jewellery supplies and tools. You can narrow your search to sellers in your country or sellers that ship to your country.
3. International suppliers
Some of the big international suppliers will ship to other countries but do ensure you know the delivery and customs charges before you buy. In Europe check out Cookson Gold (there are Cooksons websites for the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy) and in the USA check out Rio Grande.
4. Facebook groups
If you are struggling to find jewellery suppliers in your country your next step is to ask in a Facebook group. You are welcome to ask in the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group as there will likely be someone with local knowledge who can help you.
Another great tip is to look for local Facebook groups in your area for jewellers or crafters. When you log in to Facebook you can do a search. Search for ‘jewellers/jewelers and your area’ or ‘crafter and your area’.
Local Facebook groups are a great source for finding out about suppliers. And don’t forget to check Facebook Marketplace for jewellers selling their old tools.
5. Search for jewellery shows in your country
Another tactic is to look for jewellery shows and fairs in your country. In the UK a search of ‘craft show’ and ‘bead show’ leads to lots of examples of events that are designed for crafters and jewellers. These always attract suppliers as exhibitors. If you can find one near you do attend in person but if it’s a bit too far away take a look at their exhibitor’s list. This will give you a great resource to follow up.
Note, you are looking for events for crafters and makers rather than events where people are selling their crafts.
6. Check out our international jewellery supplier list
We have been compiling a comprehensive list of jewellery suppliers worldwide and you can find that by clicking the link.
If you find a great supplier that’s not on the list please email contact@jewellersacademy.com and let us know. We’d love to make this list as helpful as possible to jewellers worldwide.
If you’re just starting out with jewellery making I’d love to invite you to take this FREE online course
This FREE 10-day course is perfect for you if you would love to get started with silver jewellery or you have done some making before and are ready to improve your skills.
How it works
You have full lifetime access to all 10 days of the course as soon as you enrol. As well as a comprehensive toolkit and material list perfect for getting everything you need. You can work on this course at your own pace, pick and choose your projects and enjoy your making!
Find out about the projects and what you will learn to make on the button below: