Several Massachusetts shops offer wide varieties of beads at wholesale prices.
Beading is an ancient form of art and ornamentation that continues to play a role in many cultures around the world. Although beads have always been an element of style, they've also enjoyed periods of extreme popularity. During the most recent bead renaissance, more suppliers are selling a wider variety of beads at wholesale prices at both shops and through print and online catalogs. In Massachusetts, beaders have a choice of several dealers that offer wholesale pricing.
Gemorama
Gemorama is a family owned and operated wholesale bead shop that's been supplying local jewelers and crafters since 1969. Located in Hanover, south of Boston, on the well-traveled road to Cape Cod, Genorama operates a storefront with limited hours and also sells products through its print and online catalog. Bead products include crystal, glass, and clay polymers as well as many different types of gemstones. Genorama also carries precious metal, copper, pewter and wooden beads. All customers are entitled to volume wholesale pricing.
The Mykonos
The Mykonos specializes in glazed terracotta beads imported from Greece. Its catalog offers matte ceramic beads in more than 50 shapes and nearly 90 colors. Special lines include metalized beads with a gold, silver or copper finish and raku beads, made from volcanic clays and iridescent oxide glazes. Other specialties include eye beads, faux amber, and recycled wood and glass beads. The Mykonos is based in Hyannis, a popular Cape Cod vacation spot, but beads can also be ordered through the online catalog. A minimum order of $150 is required.
Boston Bead Company
The Boston Bead Company offers wholesale discounts to those who buy products either for direct resale or use in jewelry or other items made to sell. The company operates two shops, in Cambridge and Salem, both featuring extensive lines of crystal, glass, metal and ceramic beads as well as precious gems. Boston Bead Company also offers a line of "beads from the sea" that includes shells, pearls and coral. To qualify for wholesale pricing, customers must first register at either store and purchase $50 of materials.
Sarapaan
Sarapaan, which means variety in Thai, caters to customers who design and create beaded jewelry. It sells many types of semi-precious gemstone, crystal, and Czech and Chinese glass beads in different sizes and cuts. Specialties include Swarovski crystal beads with gold and silver filigree and Japanese Delica beads. Sarapaan opened it its first shop in Franklin in 2005, and has since expanded with a second shop in Wellesley. Buyers who want to participate in the wholesale discount program must have a Massachusetts sales tax certificate. Discounts are graduated according to the amount of each purchase.
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