Where do you get your seed beads??

[Angie09]

Can someone tell me the best place to purchase UNIFORMLY SIZED seed beads in 3-4mm. All the ones I've been purchasing vary in size and shape (some square ... some oblong). I just want them to separate the beads in a set ... not to do fancy bead work (although I wish I could!!) so the less expensive the better. Thanks!

[Speedslug]

I will have to ask the wifeunit directly but I think she has been getting all of hers from Japan.

If I remember correctly it has always been a case of inexpensive OR uniform. Never both.

ETA: Toho is a manufacturer name I remember. Miyuki is another one.


ETA2: From the wife unit, Miyuki are preferred. Caravan dot com and Bead Master dot com ( possibly wholesale only) are some of the web sites she used to use.

[Angie09]

Thanks Phil ... I'll check those out.

Humm...Caravan is a travel site and Beadmaster doesn't recognize Miyuki for beads. Ugh.

[Speedslug]

I could have the spelling all messed up.

[2xMI]

Try caravanbeads.com

[artwhim]

Yes, go Japanese. I've had good luck with kandrasbeads.com for years.

[Floorkasp]

Actually if it is not for beadwork, and you want 3-4 mm, you may want to consider small pressed Czech glass beads instead of seed beads. These are completely round, where seed beads are more shaped like the donut style basic lampwork bead. Here is an example: http://www.rings-things.com/Products...h-Glass-Beads/
4 mm is a common size for these, and they are often called 'druk' beads. They are also made in the 3mm, but they are less common and will be available in fewer colors.
If you prefer the seed bead shape, and you want them very even: Japanese it is. You could probably get away with Czech as well. It sounds as though you currently have a batch of pretty cheap Indian or Chinese seed beads, so both Czech and Japanese will be an improvement.

[Kevan]

Japanese seed beads are the most uniform and have bigger holes than Czech seed beads. For round seed beads, I like Miyuki. You can see how uniform they are. Seed beads from India are like the cheap ones they sell in craft stores are not the least bit uniform. I buy mine from a variety of place. Etsy, Ebay and Fusion beads. Fusion has every color and finish in the universe.

[Katia]

Miyuki size 8 will give you beads slightly more than 3 mm (8 beads per inch stringed).

Unfortunately in the world of seedbeads sizes 8 and less have smaller assortment that #11 and 15 (smaller seeds)

If you want more precision and roundness - look at Swarovski pearls - they have it in 3 and 4 mm. One thing makes me very upset about them - the price But the quality is excellent. Preciosa (Czech brand) also produces nice "pearl" beads, they are also even, uniform and coating is reliable but they are a bit cheaper.

Just a sample link to swarovski products http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h201230gp

[MelanieG]

I am a big fan of this supplier:
http://www.foxdenbeads.com/indexDesigns.htm