Artgems

Artgems has been around for a while and their store in Mesa is really cool. I’m not a beader myself, but when I do the occasional wire wrapping, I hit this place. They sell gemstones and swarovski crystals and all that insanity… My friend who does seed beading can usually be found camping out in the seed bead aisle, drooling over the items. I can’t do that kind of stuff — I lack the patience.
Quality and prices can be a bit all over the place and I’m very discerning when it comes to the stones that go into my work.
This place is HUGE, btw. I laugh at the magazines, chairs and coffee they have up at the front for the unsuspecting boyfriend/​husband/​partner. Word to the wise — let your gal go on her own or you’re there for a good 1 + hours.
They have incredible findings, a massive supply of silver and 14gf things so it’s an ideal place for people who like to bead and wire wrap. I find the prices of some their silver and 14kgf a bit steep at times and tend to stick to the Rio Grande catalogue, but I know Artgems has a loyal fanbase who will pay their steep prices. It doesn’t mean that you have to, though! Shop around for your metals and your beads.
I remember the first time I stepped into the place — was completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the aisles and aisles of gemstones.
Overall, if you’re doing first time stuff, it’s the place to be. As I said before, I am extremely fussy about the quality of the stones I put in my work and this place is the «Ok, I’ve run out of stuff and Tucson is too far away!!!»
But for all the people into pretty shiny things, it’s for you.