Swarovski Crystals - Where to Buy

I'm noticing lots of brides using crystals for toppers and other projects, so I thought I'd offer some insight on where to buy them.

I'm strassing 2 pairs of shoes, one for my wedding ceremony and one for the reception and have purchased well over 3,000 crystals. If you're going to need more than a few packets of crystals, Michael's and AC Moore are probably going to be expensive if you don't have coupons. Also, if you're covering a large area, you'll need different sizes that you may not be able to locate.

I've found that if you already know the Swarovski color ('red' has about a dozen different names depending on shade)and size, you can order from China on eBay or Amazon. Pay attention to delivery times, which can be long. Also, be careful to ensure that you're ordering 'Swarovski' and not acrylic.

If you're up for an afternoon in the city, there are lots of bead stores that carry hundreds of different color/sizes of crystals. One recent Sunday afternoon, I went in with a friend who makes beaded jewelry. We actually hit SIX stores in one day! I really liked Bead World ('Center'?) at 989 6th Avenue (very close to Penn Station). Across the street from them is Toho Shoji. There's also Beads on Fifth (376 5th Avenue), which I liked.

While you're in the bead store, it's interesting to compare the Swarovskis to the cheaper acrylics. Side by side, there's a huge difference in clarity. I've read that some brides use both in their projects, which can save some money. While I can't say the bead stores are 'cheap', some (Bead World) offer volume discounts if you're buying units of 10 gross (1440 crystals). They also carry so many colors and sizes you won't be hopping from store to store in frustration. You'll find everything you need to get your project done...tools, glue, containers, everything!

All the stores were open both Saturday and Sunday but close at varying times. (On a Sunday, most are closed between 5 and 6 pm.)

Happy DIY-ing!