The history of Best Beads Chain & Leather

Our original retail company, Primitive Earth Beads, was founded in 1994 when Ray Dykes discovered the world of beads at a surf expo and began importing them to the US from South Africa. We’ve grown a lot since those days of fimo beads and triathalon necklaces, becoming the online distributor of a continually growing catalog of jewelry and craft supplies. Can you believe we used to mail customers a CD with a product catalog and they would fax in their order!?

In 2005, Ray and his family expanded the wholesale side of the business and established Best Beads Chain & Leather. In 2011 Best Beads debuted the Regaliz® leather bracelet system to rave reviews, skyrocketing our presence in the jewelry supply industry. Our wholesale jewelry business has since grown to include fashion chain, sterling silver chain, jewelry findings, ceramic beads, round leather, flat leather, fine leather components, hand-dyed silk ribbons, wire, and much more! Our passion for quality products has sent us around the globe searching for the best and most unique jewelry components. We love to work with small family-owned factories in Europe and Asia, and we have visited every factory we purchase from to ensure their quality and ethics meet our standards.

In 2020 we made the bittersweet decision to close the original retail website, PEBeads.com, to focus on Best Beads. We have since launched a new updated shopping experience on BestBeads.com and revamped our warehouse operations to better serve you! We are always looking to incorporate new technology and trends while staying true to our small crafty roots.  

What sets us apart as a wholesale jewelry supplier?

Small Family Business, working with other Small Businesses

We're a true small business, family-owned and operated. Best Beads is now owned and operated by Ray's son and daughter, Graham and Wendy, with a small multigenerational staff and a couple of honorary family members. We love to see our customers’ businesses thrive – nothing makes us happier than to see a client’s jewelry line succeed! It’s a great honor to see our products help jewelry makers craft the business of their dreams.

High Quality

We pride ourselves on having the highest quality products at affordable prices. We hand select our leather, chain, sliders, clasps, and findings based on their quality and durability. We are always happy to tell you more about the manufacturing, care, and lifespan of specific products.

Wide Selection

We are your 1 stop shop for supplies – we carry a huge range of coordinating materials, so you can plan an entire line of jewelry using our products. Looking for something specific? We can probably source it for you!

We Work With You

Over the years we have established great relationships with our returning customers. We can source your dream products, give additional bulk discounts, and customize products to give your jewelry a strong brand.

Direct Importers

We are direct importers and online-only, meaning you don’t pay extra markups. After normal overhead (of course we have staff and warehouse rent to pay!), our costs are solely based on materials, production, shipping, and import fees. We never put costs ahead of quality or ethics, and work only with trusted factories who take care of their employees.

Online Only with Same Day Shipping

Our website makes it quick and easy for you to re-order supplies as needed, and we can usually ship the same day.


If you are looking for a wholesale partner to meet all your jewelry supply needs, welcome to Best Beads! We believe that your jewelry is better with our chain and leather.
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