10 places to get jewellery supplies in Toronto

Jewellery supplies in Toronto are by no means difficult to find. Any Wal-Mart or dollar store is bound to carry string and brightly coloured plastic beads, but if you're looking for something a little less kiddie craft project and a little more sophisticated, this list is the golden key to all your jewellery-making needs. Anything from precious stones to wooden pendants can be found in these specialty stores all over the city, not to mention the copious amounts of metal findings for just about every purpose imaginable.

Here are some places to get jewellery supplies in Toronto.

Arton Beads
Technically two stores side by side, Arton Beads is located at 523 and 525 Queen Street W. The 523 shop supplies base metal findings, tools, stringing materials, and beads made of plastic and wood. They also carry a variety of somewhat unrelated but totally fun materials like neon feathers. The 525 shop, on the other hand, carries higher quality supplies including semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, and silver and gold findings. Both are incredibly affordable, especially if you've got a membership card.

Bling Bling
This jewellery supply store found at 448 Queen Street W has so much bling they had to name it twice. Bling Bling's pride and glory is found in their hanging strings of glass beads and crystal materials - both of which are nearly blinding... in a good way. They also sell findings and semi-precious stones, and although the collection is not as impressive as others in the same neighbourhood, the store is worth a visit.

The Beadery
The Beadery is a little unorganized and therefore slightly daunting, but they make up for it with a great selection of quality imported gemstones, handmade glass, wood, and seeds all in bead form. They're also one of the only jewellery supply stores that offer small classes for those looking to learn how to use tools properly, in order to produce professional pieces.

Fancy Gems & Accessories
If you're looking for something a little fancier (ergo the store's name), I suggest taking a gander at Fancy Gems & Accessories. They carry a number of findings, beads and semi-precious stones unavailable at the many other jewellery supply stores on the same strip. The prices are also reasonable despite the high quality, and there's an entire basement dedicated to sale items.

Bead Girl
Walking into Bead Girl is somewhat reminiscent of a boutique experience. Located in Yonge and Eglinton, the roomy and well-organized space carries a limited selection of beautiful semi-precious stones, glass beads, and Swarovski crystals. Their assortment of findings is lacking, so it's safe to say Bead Girl is only worth going to for the ornamental function of jewellery.

Bead Junction
Bead Junction on Roncesvalles is perfect for those hoping to make quality statement jewellery. With beads and pendants ranging from base metal to Japanese glass, and from natural bone to freshwater pearls, it's hard not to find what you're looking for. They also offer a consistent number of beading events every week for beginners, as well as specialty jewellery-making lectures for keeners.

Beadworks
Located in the Beaches, Beadworks is another quaint and cluttered jewellery supply store with a large variety of natural beads made of materials such as clay and seed. There's nothing overtly special sold here, but they've got all your basic needs - and even some tools and books - complete with a bohemian vibe.

Earth Rocks by Bead Heaven
With the ideal of locally made jewellery pieces, Earth Rocks was opened to help share the owners' work as well as nurture and supply for other designers. What's unique about their shop is that they only carry handpicked crystals and stones, both in bead as well as specimen form (perfect for metaphysical uses!). They also offer one-on-one jewellery making classes. Overall, the experience Earth Rocks shares is parallel to that of a Zen garden.

Courage My Love
Courage My Love in Kensington Market shouldn't be the first place to get jewellery supplies since the selection is extremely limited, and the shop's main focus is the vintage clothing and accessories they're known for. However, if you're in the middle of purchasing a pair of kick-ass cowboy boots, it's worth it to throw in some leather string and hand-carved skull beads to match.

Artka (416.322.7832)
Artka is a bead supply store located on the upper floor of the Yonge and Eglinton centre doubling as a pre-made jewellery and accessories shop. They carry mostly sparkly Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones, and although their collection of findings is very limited and the prices a little high, Artka is a great place to kill time when you're in the area.

MAP