Ninety percent of emails I receive are questions concerning supplies. Beads, wire, metal, tools, there are tons of items jewelry makers need for their art. Eventually, many of us find our favorite suppliers depending on our needs. This often leads to a long relationship between jewelry maker and jewelry supplier. However, even though we may have a long term relationship with them, we often do not get a chance to learn about the people behind the catalog or web site. In my Suppliers’ Spotlight series, I will introduce some of the suppliers you may already be familiar with, but now you will get an opportunity to find out who they really are and what brought them into the jewelry business.

Jerry Smith turned a mid-life crisis into a bead business that would change his life.

1) How would you describe your business?
I currently sell gemstone beads, freshwater pearls, and silver beads. My target market is the hobbyist or crafter that wants unique beads for that one of a kind look. Over the last couple of years, top designers have discovered the beauty of hand-cut beads. These are one-of-a-kind creations using precious and semi-precious beads, Balinese style sliver, and freshwater pearls.

2) What type of supplies do you specialize in?
Indian Hand Cut Beads, Freshwater Pearls, Israeli and Balinese Silver. These beads show the typical randomness of East Indian cutting, the natural look of pearls, and the workmanship of a silversmith . My beads are not perfectly cut or perfectly matched. Beaders can use this to their advantage; the finished products are works of art with an individual, timeless quality. I keep my prices low by direct imports. I set my prices as a straight mark up from cost. I never set prices based on the competition.

3) How did you get started in the jewelry making supplies business?
The whole business evolved out of a mid life crisis. Instead of buying a fancy car, I decided to try my life long dream of starting a business. I received $100.00 as a Christmas present. With this, I bought 75 strands of chips from a company out of India that had an ad in the back of Lapidary Journal magazine. I put these up for auction on eBay. People actually mailed me money! I said "Hey, that was pretty neat, I'll do that again." I took the small profits from those sales, and I bought more beads and chips.

4) What is your favorite part about the business?
Purchasing and Traveling to the shows. The part I like about purchasing is haggling over the prices; I can always talk a vendor down.

I also enjoy working with my customers, seeing the things they make. I have one customer that sews pearls and gemstones on bridesmaids dresses. Her pieces are just amazing! I have another that did some of the costumes for the Rose Bowl Parade; I watched knowing that I would see some of my beads.

5) What is your least favorite part about the business?
Working late to fill orders, I have a full time job and work at the beads out of my house. My wife does all of the shipping; she is a stay at home mom. In addition, my five-year-old daughter helps me all that she can. Sometimes it can be quite a job balancing my family, my job, and the bead business. However, it has its own rewards.

6) What do you plan for the future of your company?
Expand my line of products to become a more full service bead store. For the Christmas season, I will have a new shopping cart system in place. I also plan to add a line of tools, stringing material, gold and silver beads.

I will be adding a few new features to my web site such as, product reviews, message boards, chat rooms, etc. I hope to build a sense of community among the beaders that come to my site. That they will share their experiences, good and bad, with each other and come away feeling good about what they are buying.

7) What else would you like jewelry makers to know about your business?
I will never be Fire Mountain or Rio-Grande, I do not want to be. I want beaders to think of me when looking for those special items that they cannot seem to find.

As always, be sure to check your local bead stores before going online to search for something. Nothing beats a face-to-face for sales help, and ideas. To hold a strand of beads in your hand is a wonderful thing.

Thanks,
Jerry Smith

If you are a jewelry supplier and would like to participate in the Suppliers’ Spotlight, please email me for more information.