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Find wholesalers to purchase jewelry tools and supplies at low prices

Cut costs and increase profits by securing your merchandise for wholesale prices. Increased profits is an important aspect of making the most of jewelry tools and supplies in your business. Find wholesale sellers for jewelry making supplies and jewelers tools that also have great customer service, fair return practices and reasonable shipping rates.

I recommend: Wholesaler Rings and Things features jewelry tools and supplies, as well as books and business guides to show you how to use and market them. Get jewelry supplies, tools and accessories through Munro Wholesale Crafts. Visit National Jewelers Supplies, which offers a selection of discounted equipment including jewelry repair tools, jewelry making tools, jewelry cleaner and polishing supplies.

Acquire skills through classes or videos to discover how versatile your jewelry tools are

Sign up for jewelry making workshops, jewelry tool tutorials and manufacturer demonstrations whenever possible to expand your skills. The more you learn about jewelry tools and supplies, the more you'll be able to discuss the products with expertise and pass the skills onto your customers through product demonstrations or project workshops.

I recommend: Get step-by-step instructions and accompanying videos for jewelry projects, tool tutorials and more through WigJig. Visit Eni Oken’s Jewelry, which offers tutorials and lessons on jewelry making to reveal a variety of uses for jewelry tools and supplies. This site also has an online forum where you can get additional techniques and tips from crafters and jewelry makers.

Discover new marketing and project ideas by attending jewelry supply tradeshows

Ask for product literature, demonstrations and display advice when visiting the tradeshow booths of jewelry tool and supply manufacturers. Study the way they describe and utilize their equipment and apply the same tactics when you merchandise the items. Also, make note of prevalent colors, project trends and the various techniques you can use when creating product displays in your store.

I recommend: Attend a JCK Events show featuring jewelry and related products from suppliers around the globe. In addition to the jewelry supply and jewelry tool exhibits, check out the seminars and exhibits for effective merchandising ideas. Find a JA New York jewelry show at a location near you to discover vendors of jewelry tools and supplies, as well as discovering their secrets for marketing them.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When attending a jewelry tools and supplies event, ask exhibitors to see product demonstrations and participate in sample project 'make and takes' using the jewelry making supplies. You'll be able to use the free techniques to assist your customers eager to learn more about the equipment and making the most of jewelry tools and supplies in your business will be much easier.

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Look for quality jewelry making tools from established dealers

Hundreds of suppliers sell jewelry tools online. While it's important for your company's bottom line to find the best prices, take the time to research the company you buy from. Look for companies that have been around, have large customer bases and good satisfaction and return policies.

I recommend: Buy large tools and jewelry supplies from National Jewelers Supplies. With a 14-day money back guarantee, they stand behind their products. Jewelry Supply offers a large variety of equipment from beads and findings to ring stretchers, watch repair kits and jewelry repair tools.

Buy equipment for all your clay jewelry projects

If you're in the market for equipment to make your own clay jewelry, find kilns, hand tools and other accessories at jewelry tool suppliers online.

I recommend: Find tools and clay supplies to make clay jewelry through Contenti. Increase your business assets by investing in your own firing bricks and kiln. Finish your clay beads and jewelry off with a great selection of enamel paints.

Order beads, charms, findings and jewelry equipment from wholesale suppliers

Both small and large jewelry making businesses benefit greatly from the variety of beads found through online suppliers.

I recommend: Look for precious gems or Swarovski Crystals at established suppliers that guarantee authenticity. Order pearls, whether they are simulated, fresh-water or mother-of-pearl from trust-worthy suppliers also. When it comes to assorted other beads, the choices are practically endless. Choose glass, metal, porcelain, wood or Indian Gemstones from several suppliers. For a one-stop shop, try Art Beads.

Find quality jewelry display and packing products

Look for deals on packing and jewelry displays. Choose displays that will fit well in your business, and packaging that fits in your budget.

I recommend: Buy high quality jewelry boxes for precious jewelry creations, or consider using bags for less expensive pieces. Look for jewelry cases that fit in your store, and keep display costs under control by using necklace, bracelet, watch and ring forms.

Supplies for watch and ring making

Watch supplies and specialty ring tools are also available through several companies that sell jewelry making supplies and tools.

I recommend: Get tools for ring making and sizing. Order soldering kits for all your jewelry-making needs. Find watch kits, watch supplies and tools through jewelry supply stores.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check out shipping charges and shipping insurance options when purchasing expensive jewelry making tools and supplies. Find companies that offer insured and secure shipping.
• •  Many suppliers run clearance sales and closeouts of different products that might have newer versions. These make great alternatives when budget is truly an issue.

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Discover new jewelry supply manufacturers, trends and techniques through industry trade shows

Keep up with new product developments, innovative uses for basic jewelry tools and find new wholesale sources for tools and supplies at jewelry and craft trade shows. Pick up product literature, talk to company representatives and take notes on the projects and jewelry displayed in the exhibits to learn new product features and trends.

I recommend: Attend the Craft & Hobby Association trade show to hear the latest about jewelry supply and jewelry tools, along with a host of craft-related items. The shows also feature seminars, product demonstrations, marketing and display ideas. Talk to business owners in the retailer or wholesaler sections of an International Gem and Jewelry Show about their products and any rumors they’ve heard about trends in the jewelry industry. Check the schedule on the website to find a show date that’s convenient for you.

Read jewelry trade journals that feature company and jewelry supply industry news and trends

Keep informed about the big players in the industry, emerging fashion trends among different demographics and discover new merchandising strategies through industry publications. You can even study each magazine's ads for interesting display ideas for jewelry tools and supplies.

I recommend: Keep up with every segment of the jewelry industry through Jeweler’s Inc. magazine. The publication covers everything from trends, techniques, business news and information on jewelry associations. Subscribe to BeadStyle magazine to discover hot uses for jewelry making tools and stay up to date on the projects that crafters and jewelry makers are talking about.

Sign up for blogs and industry newsletters for jewelry equipment tips and consumer trends

Get news, company and product rumors or first-hand buying and merchandising advice through the blogs and newsletters of jewelry companies, wholesalers or retailers. Many websites will also have comment sections or message boards where you can communicate with consumers or other retailers to discover common jewelry supply complaints or questions.

I recommend: Learn new techniques and get project ideas, product reviews and information on the industry through the Jewelry Making blog at Bloglander. Bead Jewelry Blog provides information that jewelry industry retailers can use to obtain details on new tools, techniques and innovative supplies. The site also features jewelry making tips and ways to use jewelers tools.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep your eye out for opportunities to acquire used jewelry tools at a steal. When you're talking to vendors at trade shows or jewelry tool suppliers in online forums, ask if they've got any older equipment for sale at reduced prices. You can use the items during in-store classes or as demo models for customers to experiment with before deciding what they'd like to buy for themselves.

Guide to Jewelry Tools and Supplies Key Terms

Learn more about the terminology of jewelry tools and supplies

By Andrea Townsley

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Jump rings

Made from metal, the jump ring is a staple in jewelry making. It can be used to connect different parts of the jewelry, attach clasps or even make chain. There is a wide variety of sizes and colors available, and jump rings can be found in several types of metal, including gold.

I recommend: Consumer Help Web provides instructions on how to properly open and close a jump ring.

Headpins and eyepins

These are straight pieces of wire with either a flat 'head' or open loop ('eye') at the end. They must be finished using a process of wirewrapping to affix them to other parts and complete the piece of jewelry.

I recommend: For information on wirewrapping a headpin, check out Lytha Studios. To see what headpins and eyepins look like, browse through GoodyBeads.com.

Bicone beads

A bicone bead is shaped like a three-dimensional diamond. It is often clear with multiple facets, although it can be made from any material.

I recommend: WigJig has a picture of a common bicone bead in its glossary. The Polymer Clay Cyclopedia gives a bit more information about clay bicones.

Crimping

Crimping beads are used to finish off a line of beads and attach a clasp. A crimping tool, which looks similar to a pair of pliers, is used to flatten crimping beads and keep them in place.

I recommend: Find out how to properly crimp at Sun Country Gems.

Setting

The setting is what attaches a gem to a piece of jewelry, the most common type having prongs that effectively lock the stone into place.

I recommend: Check out the different types of settings at Thaigem.com.

Soldering

Pronounced 'soddering,' this process uses heat to melt metal together and connect things. The primary soldering tools are the soldering iron and the soldering torch. The former is generally used for costume jewelry while the latter is used for precious metals and fine jewelry.

I recommend: Rings & Things gives a good explanation of the difference between hard and soft solder.