Gem Stone Bead Supply Gem collectors have discovered the veritable 7 cities of gold in the Internet marketplace in terms of shopping for gem stone beads. Thousands of fabulous bead dealers are offering their gemstone beads, and treasures are just a click away. Before, most beaders had to rely on a small shop in town, if their town was lucky enough to have one, and choices were limited to the inventory that shop could carry. Apart from this, few neighborhood beading shops had the insurance policies to cover stocking precious stones such as ruby beads, sapphire beads, etc. Not so with the Internet!

Beginning beaders tend to start out on ceramic, stone or crystal beads. But they dream of creating a jewelry piece blazing with the special light of iolite beads, garnet beads or topaz beads. Finally, the day comes when they splash out on a focal piece - a special large bead, or perhaps a dozen small accent beads made of semi precious or precious gems. They are only limited by their own imaginations when it comes to the beautiful pieces even a hobbyist beater can create in his or her spare time.

Truly precious gem stone beads cost what they are worth. Emerald, ruby and sapphire beads go for many hundreds of dollars a strand. But, most beaders needn't save up for too long to be able to afford semi-precious gem stones for their special beading projects. Popular semi-precious stones for bead projects include garnet, jade, amber, topaz, citrine, and a variety or quartz crystals. Amethyst beads continue to be one of the most popular items in the beading world, with their unique, sugary purple hue.

As with jewels in general, gem stone beads may either be faceted or cut in cabochons. Soft stones like jade are often offered in large carved disks or amulets for the focal pendant of a necklace. Beaders frequently combine gem stone beads with gold or silver spacer beads. Experienced beaders know how to cut costs down while not losing aesthetic value.

We're lucky enough to be well acquainted with a top quality beader, and rummaging through her bead boxes is like Christmas for us gem collectors. She says that the biggest trend in beading right now is the large drop-shaped faceted bead called a briolette. Because of the extensive faceting they require, briolette beads tend to be rather high-end, cost-wise.

The Internet can bring beaders fabulous, affordable beads from all over the world, and today's most popular gem stone bead supply shops include Fire Mountain Gems, Thai Gems, and Shipwreck Beads. Talk about selections! For any gem collector, a trip to these bead shops is a worthwhile experience. You may just find that little something to add to your collection that gives it a whole new twinkle!

To find out more about beads, we highly recommend a visit to the following website:

Gemstone Beads, Ceramic Beads, Crystal Beads & More
The Beadkeeper is keeping special beads just for you!
http://www.beadkeeper.net