I wasn’t happy with my last shipment of silver wire from Rio Grande that I received a couple weeks ago.  Since we were in Albuquerque, I had the opportunity to visit the plant and talk to them directly about it.

First of all, it’s a huge plant.  Lots of young workers at the clean, clean, beautiful campus.  Plenty of customer parking and yes, they have a physical storefront where you can walk in and order products.

In fact, they have work stations all over where you can try out products, and test them on your projects.

Several showcases where you can buy finished jewelry and get ideas and see the newest techniques.  There were displays with Bronze Metal Clay, Cold Connection Jewelry making, Dichroic Glass Bead creation, and Resin Cabochon molding.

And… the clearance items.  Discontinued findings, orphan pieces of sets, single cabochons, beads, sterling blanks, chains, and more, heavily discounted.

That’s Renee at her desk helping a customer and she is a sweetheart.  She took great care of me and returned my wire no problem, and sold me some new.  What apparently happened is that there was a slight difference in the tempering of that lot as compared to others that made it springy and difficult for me to work with.

As I was leaving, I spotted the back corner which had shelves of tools and equipment being sold at discount prices.  Most were probably returns and the price goes down every month.  There were kilns, wax injector, electroformer, vulcanizer, torch, dop wax melters and more.  I spotted this 12 quart rotary tumbler that looked brand new for 1/3 off the retail price.  Needless to say, I felt it needed a home and here it is.  It’s already full and running!

I’m sure if you give them a call, you can ask what is on the shelves at the moment.

Alot of us jewelry artists know Rio Grand for great online supplies, but if you have a chance and are in the area, drop by and see the place.  It’ll be worth the trip!