QuestionDo you know of a supplier who can supply small hinges (1/2" wide by 1/2" long or so)suitable for making hinged bangle bracelets?
Thanking you in advance
Dale
AnswerDale, hello and thanks for this question. The problem with locating findings like this(findings being the word jewelers use for "parts"), is that such low demand likely limits what is available to individuals. To an established business, there are suppliers who only sell to businesses who can provide hinges. Still, most general suppliers do not carry these items.
If you are not part of an established business with paperwork to prove it, you will need to basically search out those suppliers who sell to hobbyists and individuals and see if any of them have hinges. What you fine will depend on the metal desired, among other things. Gold will be easier to find from a wholesale company selling to business only. Base metal may be out there but likely a large quantity is required for an order.
My suggestion is to go to this web site:
http://www.lapidaryjournal.com/
The old lapidary journal magazine is now The Jewelry Artist Magazine, but the web addys is the same. The link above is copy and paste.
This magazine has special issues during the year featuring various sorts of items. The issue specializing in vendors and suppliers is likely the best to check out. That should be available from the web site. Otherwise, find a copy of the magazine and you will fine many suppliers in both small display ads and classified ads. Then, the phone calls, e-mails and search begins to find the items just like you want.
I have made such hinges when nothing of the right size was available. That hand work is a bit labor intensive and must be done with accuracy. Yes, to find what you need already made is the way to go.
If you are in a business, I suggest calling findings suppliers and seeing what suggestions they might have for items not shown as stocked in their catalogs.
Best wishes in finding the hinge parts.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
