Reputable gemstone bead supplier in Jaipur...for a good cause?

mangofanatic

Hi everyone,

Can any of you give a recommendation for a specific merchant in Jaipur who sells semi-precious gemstone beads? ...someone you trust, has a good selection, and is available by email/has a website?

Here's what I'd like to do: I can't go there myself and shop around, so I'd like to make my selection online or send a list of what I want. My relative, who will stop by Jaipur, but has no idea about gemstones, will be able to pick up my selection in a few weeks. Because I would like this plan to work smoothly and would like not to get cheated, I would only act on this plan if I can get a good recommendation for a supplier and if they have a website.

By the way...I'm asking about this because my main hobby is designing and making gemstone and wire-work jewelry. I'll launch a website soon where I will sell my creations...but not for profit. I will donate everything except the actual materials costs to an eye hospital in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Getting my gemstones from Jaipur directly will significantly lower my materials costs, of course. I'm excited about my plan and I hope it works!

Ninaji

honestly, you (or your friend) need to have an idea about prices and the ranges available, i seriously doubt that even the best-intentioned wholesaler will sell you stones (especially bead stones) on good prices if he figures you have no clue whatsoever on stone cuts, styles, etc. besides respective stone quality, the price you get depends also on the quantity you buy, and in my experience (I bought quite some beads using local friends' expertise in March) your bargaining quality... Especially at the typical wholesale markets in Jaipur..

Of course, there are plenty of great, serious wholesalers with websites etc, but they mainly export, in large quantities, and i learned that the key thing here is your appearance, what you offer (one-time buyer with no clue vs long-term customer) etc. Jaipur is full of folks (i.e. foreigners) who run into these shops only to get ripped off (while assuming that they got a great deal..!).

If you want, I may ask a local friend there who's been into that stuff for a while, that is, she bought beads (both semi-precous an the junk stuff) and got them shipped then to overseas customers.. She's been making her own jewelry as well, so may relate to the stuff you're looking for. She's great, though I assume she will ask for some kind of commission for doing that (which, in my view, will still come cheaper for you).

otherwise, I'd recommend one or two wholesalers where i bought my stuff, let me know then.

Oh, you may want to get in touch with I-India, a wonderful NGO based in Jaipur who runs vocational centres ('LADLI') for streetchildren where, among other things, they learn how to make jewellry, i.e. using beads etc.. you may want to link up with them.. http://www.i-indiaonline.com/prog_ladli.htm


in any case, GOOD LUCK!

crvlvr

IMHO, any merchant in India who has website is typically targetting the tourists and will quote prices that are hihger than market

vinayverma

no joke but instead of trying to PM you, I;m posting here after few years being online on IM and this is first time, I say, half of my family is into this business and yes I can help you on this.
I can assure you that you'll get the quality/price what you want.
let me know here when are you in Jaipur next.
BTW I'm there tomorrow evening, anyone for a meetup?

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mangofanatic

Thanks, everyone, esp Ninaji, for the replies! I will definitely keep the advice in mind next time I need stones. I have a lot of beads right now to keep me busy (I'm a student, so I only do this with my "free" time).

Nick-H

VV --- you could have just let yourself in for a lot of PMs!

Even from me as I have a guy in UK who is forever asking me to try to get stuff for him.

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