Rhinestones/bling

[miraclegro]

Where is the best/most reasonable place to order the jewels for skating dresses from? 

Thanks

[Kim to the Max]

I generally order from dreamtimecreations.com. They are quick and pretty well priced for Swarovksi.

[Skittl1321]

I have found Beadsfactory.com to have the absolute best prices, even when you consider you have to pay shipping.   However, you have to order by the 10 gross.  

If I only want 1  gross of a color, I use Dreamtime Creations.


(I prefer Preciosa to Swavorski, because when put side by side on the same costume I can't tell the difference and they are less expensive.)

[miraclegro]

I'm sorry...but what is 10 gross?  10 in a pkg?

[sarahspins]

I'm sorry...but what is 10 gross?  10 in a pkg?

1440

[Sk8tmum]

10 x 144.  a gross is 144 stones.  

Me, I don't use Preciosa crystals; I really do see a difference in the sparkle, especially when I get up into the big stones (33SS or bigger) and particularly the AB ones.  But, you're right, it is a huge savings; because I don't do a lot of dresses (maybe 1 or 2 a year for my kids) - I just deal with the difference in the cost.  Besides, I do order in the huge quantities, and share it out among the other skating moms, which makes it cost effective for all of us.

[hopskipjump]

I buy at a local bead shop.  It isn't more expensive - esp with no shipping charges.  Plus I can bring my fabric in and see it with the different crystals.  I only have to buy a gross at a time when it's the small crystals.  Otherwise she lets me buy as needed.

[Skittl1321]

10 x 144.  a gross is 144 stones.  

Me, I don't use Preciosa crystals; I really do see a difference in the sparkle, especially when I get up into the big stones (33SS or bigger) and particularly the AB ones.

I only use 20ss and lower... so I've never noticed that.
I love my Preciosa ABs.  I really prefer AB coating.

I am really on a budget (it's the whole reason I stone my own dresses).