I’ve hunted for a few different types of gemstone beads this week without success, and I know that I’m not the only beader who faces this challenge. Unlike crystals or seed beads, which are manufactured in large quantities with plentiful raw ingredients, gemstone beads are a natural resource. The supply of gemstone beads seems to change constantly.

I bought some 15 mm faceted charoite beads at my local bead store a few months ago. They had a decent supply at the time, but have since run out. Right now, I can’t find 15 mm round charoite beads at any of my usual sources (though there are probably plenty more out there that I haven’t tried yet). Since charoite is a fairly new gemstone, and it seems to come from just one source in Russia, I’ll just have to be patient and keep searching if I’m stubborn about using that particular stone.

Fortunately, I’m not that stubborn. There are plenty of other wonderful gemstones out there, and I’m sure I can find a substitute. Also, like many other beaders, I have to keep a budget in mind when I shop, so finding stones I like at a price I’m willing to pay is an added challenge. I chose charoite for its great purple color, but I could use sugilite, amethyst, ametrine, or a purple jasper or agate for a similar effect. If I’m willing to change the color, I can very easily find gorgeous 15 mm rounds in several other intense colors. (Right now I’m considering carnelian, chrysocolla, or tourmaline.) Of course, this means I’ll have to change the colors of the other beads in the design, but that’s part of the fun.