Our 8-inch continuity line is composed entirely of stone types and cuts that we can continue to source. Of these are some of our top picks and best sellers. We also specialize in unique shapes cut for consistency and all holes are laser-drilled for smooth edges. This line is perfect for designers to replicate designs in quantity.
We carry a wide selection of stones in 16-inch strands, many of which are limited editions, and offer these products depending on availability. These can include unique or rare finds that we might not have again.
Each cabochon is cut and shaped by hand to precise dimensions that size with commercially available pre-fabricated bezels and settings. The sizing and shape consistency will also help designers reproduce pieces easily to sell in larger quantities.
Stones in the dsPremier collection are exclusively designed, cut, and produced by Dakota Stones. Each are cut from unique and premium rough materials to exacting specifications to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Many strands in the dsPremier collection are very limited. We currently work with a lapidary artist that cuts most of the limited batch cuts in our dsPremier line.
There are multiple ways to drill stone. The best method (and the one we use for large hole beads at Dakota Stones) uses ultrasonic technology. Ultrasonic drilling gives the cleanest possible hole edges, minimizing potential abrasion and damage to stringing material. It also gives a consistent hole through the entire bead, eliminating the frustrating, and often impassable, narrowing in the middle of the bead that can result from poorly executed traditional drilling methods.
Creating quality stone beads demands attention to detail on every level. It begins literally from the ground up- the mining, grading, selecting, designing, cutting, drilling, polishing all require specialized knowledge and skill. Cutting focals demands an additional level of skill and artistry.
A talented and experienced stone artisan considers the type of material and pattern before the cutting begins. Creating a template helps the artisan to maximize the utility and beauty in each piece of rough material. When planning shapes and cuts, artisans also need to understand how different stone types are composed on a microscopic or even submicroscopic level. The composition of the stone, underlying crystal formations, cleavage, and hardness/softness of the stone dictate how a stone can (or can’t) be shaped.
The stakes are especially high in the finishing process. After the initial cut, it must be perfectly finished, shaped, and polished. Any mistake in these areas can result in an unusable, and therefore worthless, piece.
The machine-like precision of lines and curves in many focals may lead buyers to believe that they have been machine-made. In reality, most Dakota Stones focals have been cut by hand. The exceptional quality is a testimony to the artisans’ level of skill and attention.
Dakota Stones Focals collection includes donuts, individual pendants, pendant sets, guru beads, collars, and intricately carved pendants.
If you are a business owner or a designer, you can buy from us confident that we supply the highest quality strands of on-trend, unique and rare stones.
We offer a 100% guarantee and return policy.