Vendors

Below are just some of the Vendors I have used when purchasing some of the precious metals, gems, equipment, tools and supplies used for the craft. All vendors are based in the United States, and listed alphabetically.

CabKing – This vendor is strictly a supplier of their own brand of lapidary equipment and supplies, although they have sister companies such as Hi-Tech Diamond, Tumble-Bee and Inland Craft. They are the makers of the CabKing lapidary machines, which are in my opinion excellent quality lapidary machines that rival those of other brands in value and cost.

Contenti – A vendor based in Rhode Island dealing in precious metals, jewelry tools, equipment and supplies. They have good prices, and carry a large selection of “economy” tools and equipment.

Fire Mountain Gems & Beads – A vendor based in Oregon dealing in gems, beads and general jewelry supplies and findings.

Foredom – A vendor based in Connecticut dealing in flex-shaft rotary tools and supplies, handpieces, lathes and dust collection equipment. With a foot control to vary the speed of the flex-shaft, it provides so much more usefulness than a Dremel. Though I own and use both, when it comes to jewelry I use the flex-shaft 99.9% of the time.

Gesswein – A vendor based in Connecticut dealing in jeweler’s equipment, tools and supplies. They have very good prices on some things, so when it’s time to shop for a new tool or supply, they are definitely worth checking as part of your research.

GRS – A vendor based in Oklahoma dealing in jewelry equipment, tools and some supplies of their own design and making, especially those used for engraving and jewelry fabrication such as vices and gravers. Without a doubt, the GRS BenchMate vise has enabled me to set stones in rings that I’m not sure I would be able to do otherwise, at least without a huge amount of frustration and wasted material!

Kingsley North – A vendor based in Michigan dealing in jewelry equipment, tools and supplies as well as lapidary equipment, tools and supplies, so if you like cutting your own stones as well as setting them, they’ve got both your backs covered!

Otto Frei – A vendor based in California dealing in precious metals, faceted and cabochon gems, jewelry tools, equipment and supplies. They sometimes have items other vendors don’t carry, and have regular sales, so subscribe to their emails to keep up with what they have to offer.

Pepe Tools – A vendor based in Oklahoma dealing in jewelry equipment, tools and supplies. I really like some of their tools and equipment, and they’re always coming out with new things to drool over.

Potter USA – A vendor based in Arizona specializing in hydrolic press equipment, dies and tools.

Rio Grande – A vendor based in New Mexico dealing in precious metals, faceted and cabochon gems, jewelry tools, equipment and supplies. Rio Grande is probably the one vendor I purchase the bulk of my equipment and supplies from. Good products and great customer service for the hobbyist as well as professional jewelers out there.

Santa Fe Jewelers Supply – A vendor based in New Mexico dealing in metals, gems, beads, jewelry tools and supplies.

Stuller, Inc. – A vendor based in Louisiana dealing in precious metals, faceted and cabochon gems, jewelry tools, equipment and supplies. Unless you have a business ID, you may be restricted on what can be purchased to mainly supplies and equipment.

Thunderbird Supply Company – A vendor with outlets in New Mexico and Arizona dealing in metals, gems, beads, jewelry tools and supplies.