I love making my own jewelry. There's something really satisfying about creating a piece that's unique and exactly what I want. Recently, I decided to make several delicate necklaces as gifts, and I needed to find a reliable source for dainty sterling silver chain necklaces. Buying in bulk was key, as I needed quite a few. My search led me down some interesting paths, and I'm excited to share what I learned!
My initial plan was simple: find a place where I could buy 25-50 sterling silver chains, depending on the price. I wanted something delicate and high-quality, perfect for creating personalized necklaces. However, I quickly realized that not all suppliers are created equal. Some had exorbitant prices, while others seemed to compromise on quality. The online marketplace was flooded with options, making it hard to know where to start. I needed to find a supplier that could offer both quality and reasonable pricing for bulk purchases of sterling silver chains.
After some digging, I stumbled upon a few excellent resources. One suggestion I heard was to check out Rio Grande. Apparently, they are a great option for buying fine chain in bulk, especially if you're looking for spools. I haven't personally tried them yet, but it's definitely on my list for future projects.
Another tip I received was to consider Cooksongold if you're in the UK, or other EU-based suppliers like Cookson-clal, herens&herens, drijfhout, and bijoumoderne. These are mostly B2B suppliers, which often means better prices if you're buying in larger quantities. The advice was to steer clear of Etsy for this kind of purchase, as it can be overpriced and geared towards individual consumers (B2C).
I also looked into Fire Mountain Gems. They have a pretty wide selection, and their website is easy to navigate. I found some interesting options there, although I didn't end up making my final purchase from them. While Rio Grande is generally pre-made, Fire Mountain offers a variety of components for jewelry making.
For those with a business or vendor license, I heard that www.cgmfindings.com is a solid option. Unfortunately, I didn't have the necessary credentials to use them at the time, but it's good to keep in mind for future needs.
One of the most helpful recommendations I received was for Halstead Bead. They were highly recommended by a Facebook group I'm part of, as well as my silversmith teacher. What really stood out was their excellent customer service. They have a great selection, and their team is incredibly helpful if you have any questions. You can find them at https://www.halsteadbead.com. I found their selection of sterling silver chains quite impressive.
While researching different chains, I was also looking for unique pendants to go with them. That's when I came across BlingCharming Best Sellers. They have a fantastic selection of jewelry, and I ended up ordering a few pieces to see the quality firsthand. And while browsing their site, I found this beautiful choker:
I decided to try out the Metal Lock Heart Choker Collar for Girls Women Black Cosplay Necklace Couple Gift Neck Goth Jewelry Gothic Accessiores rose red. I was looking for something a little edgy and different, and this definitely fit the bill. It's got a cool, gothic vibe, and the quality is surprisingly good for the price. The lock and heart design is eye-catching, and it's comfortable to wear. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it!
I really liked the overall aesthetic and quality of the jewelry from Blingcharming, and I can see myself ordering from them again in the future. They have a wide range of styles, so there's something for everyone.
My advice is to not underestimate smaller brands. I found a lot of quality pieces from unexpected places, and now this choker has become one of my go-to accessories.
Based on my experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying sterling silver chains, especially in bulk: