Does anyone know a good place to buy loose freshwater pearls for making jewellery?

Question

I am looking for non wholesale only and preferably uk, although it can be a shop or online. I am not a registered business, its just a hobby so I need somewhere that will sell to individuals rather than just businesses. Have tried ebay!

Many Thanks.

Answer 1

I used to live in the Bay area next to San Francisco, I use to get them there , You go purchase a shell  or 2 open them they make a ring / necklace right there, I open one it was a black one that was beautiful.

good luck

any help ?

Answer 2

Try the Bead Shop in Covent Garden (www.beadshop.co.uk) one of the most wonderful places in the world.  I've never bought pearls myself, but if they don't have them they will know who does.  Or - my personal recommendation - Sylvia Joyce at The Treasury, Barter Walk, Pinner, Middx (email [e-mail]).  Sylvia is a specialist gemmologist and I have seen her strings of freshwater pearls on visits to the shop.  Phone:  [phone].

Answer 3

www.pandahall.co.uk

Answer 4

Checkout Ebay. Because there are  so many sellers they are very price competitive. The best seller I can recommend (I am a jewellery designer) is one in the UK, they have excellent quality and are an honest seller (she thought one lot she had left was not quite perfect so sent and extra string!)

http://search.stores.ebay.co.uk/SandSton...

I have bought others from china and foxy_ facets in the US but the quality is a bit underpar unless you are mixing them with other bits. You definately get what you pay for but try not to get ripped off. You will also find buying online much cheaper but you cannot touch and feel the item 1st.

Answer 5

China, i lived there for acouple years, and that's a great place for pearls.