The Ultimate Guide to Sourcing Authentic Vintage Jewelry Supplies

Authentic vintage jewelry holds a special allure that’s hard to replicate. Learn how to source vintage jewelry from reputable suppliers and create a unique collection for your store.

Organize your product inventory into logical categories to make it easier for customers to find what they want. Also, invest in high-quality product photos and image editing software.

Beads

A bead is a decorative object made from many materials, including stone, bone, shell, seed, glass, wood, and plastic. They usually have a hole drilled into them so that a thread can be placed through and used to create jewelry. Beads have been used worldwide for centuries as decoration or currency.

Several types of vintage jewelry supplies can be used to make beaded jewelry.

Stone beads come in a wide range of colors from around the globe and are easy to design. They can be used instead of other beads or as a focal piece. Wood beads can be carved, sanded, or left natural, adding a rustic, earthy feel to designs. Metal beads such as head pins and hex beads are also commonly used in jewelry making and can be either simple or highly decorative.

Clasps

Clasps are small jewelry components that play a significant role in keeping a piece of fine jewelry secured and closed. They come in various styles and sizes to suit different types of jewelry, like necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. They’re also available in a wide range of materials to match the style and color of the chain, string, or other material to which the clasp is attached.

Typically featuring an s-shaped hook that slips into a circular ring, lobster clasps are simple and versatile. This is one of today’s most common and widely used clasps in jewelry making.

Spring ring clasps are similar to lobster clasps but have a lever that opens and closes them. They’re great for delicate pieces and look sleek and modern.

Tube clasps (add-a-bead clasps) have a cylindrical body with a small bar that slides into it to secure the bracelet. They’re very popular and versatile, ideal for bracelets and necklaces that need a quick and easy way to extend or remove the chain.

Toggle clasps are two-piece clasps that snap together to open and close. They’re often seen on bolo bracelets and lariat necklaces, providing a unique and decorative style.

Beading Wire

Beading wire (flex wire, tiger tail, and stringing cable) is necessary for any jewelry maker. It’s one of the most accessible stringing materials since it doesn’t require a needle and is secured using crimp findings instead of knotting.

Beaded wire comes in various gauges to fit different bead sizes and types. It also has several coatings to enhance its appearance and strength.

When choosing beading wire, consider the number of strands and diameter. This will help ensure that the wire is durable and kink-resistant. Beading wire is also labeled with its break strength, which tells you how much weight the cable can support.

Beading Patterns

From herringbone beading patterns to peyote stitch bracelets, these jewelry designs make you want to be beaded.

Create a fun homemade gift with an easy beaded bookmark pattern. It’s great for birthdays or holiday gifts and makes a fantastic accessory to mark your place in the pages of your favorite book.

Learn to use a herringbone beading technique to make a classy bracelet. Then, add some choice beads and a simple lobster clasp to turn it into a bright finish for your jewelry. Eye pins are short lengths of wire that end in a turned loop. Add some choice beads and turn or wrap the other end to create dangles for added movement in your jewelry creations. They’re also helpful for adding to chains, wire, or thread. Other types of metal findings that you can use include coil ends, crimps, and cone ends. They come in a variety of finishes, including sterling silver.

Tools

There is something special about a piece of jewelry that has passed through time to reach the present day. These pieces, whether fashion accessories or handmade items, strongly appeal to shoppers due to their uniqueness and history.

As such, a wide range of tools are available on the market. These tools include connector settings, corners, crosses, crucifixes, embellishments, filigrees, flowers and leaves, frames and borders, hearts, heraldry, motifs, steampunk items, metal flowers, pendants and charms, chains, stampings, cabochons, and stones.

Regardless of the tools that are used, it is essential to be able to test them for quality. This includes a physical test and a chemical test. The physical test is done by putting the jewelry under extreme conditions such as heat and moisture. Likewise, the chemical test exposes the jewelry to various chemicals. This helps to determine whether the materials can be worn safely by customers. It also tests the durability of the jewelry and its color fastness. A wholesale jewelry supplier or the sourcing agency usually conducts this test.