Buying bead supplies from America

[*karen*]

Hi

I have been advised that buying bead supplies particulalry Swarovski crystal and pearls is much cheaper from American websites and I was just wondering if anyone could recommend one as there are so many.

I'm quite worried about buying "fake" Swarovski products.

Thank you!

[beadsbydesign]

remember to add in import tax when you work out your costs.

[Peter]

I tried the US, but postage has gone up so much it's not worth the effort. Have a look at http://www.bricolart.be/Site/AccueilPresentation.php?width
it takes about 3-4 days to get to UK. :)

[ilovecrafts]

That looks like an interesting site Peter. have you used it much?
Are they reliable? quality good? What about prices? are they good too?
have only just started looking a beading stuff, (because of daughter), so no ideas yet re decent prices

[Peter]

She's my main supplier. Wholesale site too. :)

[ilovecrafts]

good to know:D

Have now had a better look and some prices do sem really good, but some smmore expensive than elsewhere. Like the idea of the reward points!

[Aine2]

I bought swarovski crystals from E-beads. (I can't post their website address yet) I don't use that many for cake toppers but wired crystal decorations are popular at the moment so I needed quite a few. I bought 250 for around £12 and last year I bought the same crystals from a cake artist for £4 for 20! You've probably heard of mod edit - ok, once is enough!:) already but thought I'd mention it for you.

[Beadservice]

Hi Karen,

I wouldn't have thought you could get Swarovski Crystal any cheaper in the US, maybe other things.

Mainly because it's made in Austria, and has to be shipped all the way to US and back again.

I think people rarely find a 'one stop shop' for everything, and tend to have a few favourites. There's some great things in the UK now, with many sites getting larger and having more choice.

Debbie

[AllmarshallGems]

The only items I have found cheaper in the states is quartz flower pendants and charms, but yes be careful as the charm buyer I bought from stung me on postage and then our delightful HM Customs took their slice from my charms, but still they were good quality and cheaper than UK. I now have US bank account and shipping address, only way to bypass the additional charges.

Best way is to search the UK as with many sights now operating in the UK many specialise in niche areas and offer good deals.