Beads, Gems & Cabochons for Makers

Match the supply to the technique your recipient uses. Bead weavers and loom workers want seed beads sized by aught (11/0 and 15/0 are the workhorses; 8/0 reads chunkier), sold by the gram or in tubes. Stringers and wire-wrappers reach for drilled gemstone strands and lampwork focal beads, while cabochons are undrilled, flat-backed stones meant for bezel-setting, wire-wrapping, or resin work. Read the listing for exact millimeter dimensions, hole size, strand length (often 15-16 inches), and whether stones are natural, stabilized, dyed, or dyed howlite sold as turquoise. Color lots vary, so a maker mid-project may need a specific dye lot. Loose seed-bead tubes and small cabs run $4-$15; gemstone strands and artisan lampwork beads land at $15-$60; rare cabochons and graded stones can pass $80. Most loose stock ships in 3-7 business days; custom-cut cabs and hand-wound lampwork take 1-3 weeks. A gift card lets them pick the exact size and hue.

Use the child tiles for beads, cabochons, charms and pendants, or gemstones, then filter by stone, size, and price, or try a related search to jump to a maker's specialty.