Good source for high-quality gemstone beads for mala making?

[woweezowee]

Hi there! I know beads aren't usually the hot topic on here, but I'd like to make my own mala bead necklace and have started looking around for high-quality round beads on the internet. It's overwhelming!

Does anyone have good sources for these types of things? I'm specifically looking for semi-precious beads in lapis, chrysoprase, Peruvian pink opal, coral, moontstone, etc.

I know of Druzy Designs on Etsy via PS users, but that's about all. Thanks in advance!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I am also a beader and love this company!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I've also purchased from these shops, and been pleased. But be aware that the quality is a mixed bag. Look at the listings for treatments, etc.

One
Two
Three

 

[newtojewels]

I am also a beader and love this company!

Seconding New World Gems! Though she seems to have less stock than she used to, is she retiring?

I have also purchased from TerraBellaBeads: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TerraBellaBeads

Fire Mountain Gems is also popular, though I haven't used them personally: https://www.firemountaingems.com/

 

[woweezowee]

Thank you so much for these leads! This is super helpful.

I’ve been running into the common problem where I’ll see a shop with some nice beads, but then notice that the beads are misnamed or appear treated with no treatment disclosure, and then I have to disregard the seller all together.

These suggestions are awesome - thanks again!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Seconding New World Gems! Though she seems to have less stock than she used to, is she retiring?

I have also purchased from TerraBellaBeads: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TerraBellaBeads

Fire Mountain Gems is also popular, though I haven't used them personally: https://www.firemountaingems.com/

I agree... she has way less inventory than I remember. I hope she's not closing up shop.

Thank you so much for these leads! This is super helpful.

I’ve been running into the common problem where I’ll see a shop with some nice beads, but then notice that the beads are misnamed or appear treated with no treatment disclosure, and then I have to disregard the seller all together.

These suggestions are awesome - thanks again!

I bought this Mediterranean coral (legally and ethically harvested many years prior) from Lezli to make this necklace. She used to have some spectacularly high-quality material (with an emphasis on untreated gems). Haven't browsed in a while though. I used all sterling beads and findings here... now I wish I had used gold.



The pink tourmaline in this necklace also came from her. The "stardust" beads and findings are 18k. I also have chrysoprase beads, but never ended up making the necklace. Thank you for the reminder!

 

[woweezowee]

Oh my! These are STUNNING. The tourmaline is gorgeous. I do agree that the coral would pop in gold, but the design and clasp combined with the otherworldly color is phenomenal. Beautiful work!

 

[newtojewels]

Stunning necklaces, @Autumn in New England! Have you considered remaking the coral with gold?

I have used her for some turquoise, aquamarine, and shattuckite, and a few more....

I need to remake this necklace, I don't love my choice of arrangement, but check this turquoise out:



The findings and earring turquoise are not from her, the necklace beads were:


Both of these were from her and they're both special in their own way, but the Sleeping Beauty beads look almost like plastic because they're so perfect:

 

[Autumn in New England]

Stunning necklaces, @Autumn in New England! Have you considered remaking the coral with gold?

I have used her for some turquoise, aquamarine, and shattuckite, and a few more....

I need to remake this necklace, I don't love my choice of arrangement, but check this turquoise out:



The findings and earring turquoise are not from her, the necklace beads were:


Both of these were from her and they're both special in their own way, but the Sleeping Beauty beads look almost like plastic because they're so perfect:

Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look how the blue pops with that gold. I beaded mostly during my silver days, so I have very little with gold, unfortunately.

Here are some SBT nuggets I bought from her too! OP, you've got us revisiting all of our goodies!!

P.S. I might redo the coral necklace someday... it was very pricey material and deserves a more luxurious metal. But torsades are time-consuming!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Oh my! These are STUNNING. The tourmaline is gorgeous. I do agree that the coral would pop in gold, but the design and clasp combined with the otherworldly color is phenomenal. Beautiful work!

Thank you! I hope you'll return and show us what you create!!

 

[woweezowee]

Stunning necklaces, @Autumn in New England! Have you considered remaking the coral with gold?

I have used her for some turquoise, aquamarine, and shattuckite, and a few more....

I need to remake this necklace, I don't love my choice of arrangement, but check this turquoise out:



The findings and earring turquoise are not from her, the necklace beads were:


Both of these were from her and they're both special in their own way, but the Sleeping Beauty beads look almost like plastic because they're so perfect:

OMG, uniform Sleeping Beauty is my dream turquoise and this is just exquisite.

 

[toomuchB]

You need sichuan for mala making.

 

[Bron357]

I’m also keen on beading, I repaired / created a few bead necklaces.
The amethyst one broke and beads fell to concrete, chipping a few. It was always short so I got creative with opal beads to create some extra length. I also added the amethyst carved pendant in as well.
The jade piece was set on a short box link white gold chain, which broke and box links are repairable. So I used a strand of pale aquamarine beads to create a new necklace. I has to add some random crystal beads to get the length I wanted.

 

[Bron357]

I also did some opal bead ones. The one l did with the pear shape opal beads and emerald beads looked great laying down but on the neck “random” pear shape beads “flip” up and the messy look sets off my OCD.