==== Introduction  ====


We recently got into the jewelry business, starting with the [[http://www.adafruit.com/products/379|iCufflinks ]]and soon the [[http://www.adafruit.com/blog?s=inecklace|iNecklace]]! This is pretty exciting because I've only really done electronics design so jewelry is a completely new expertise!



However, we needed to quickly get up to speed with where to get supplies, parts, tools, etc for jewelry. Like McMaster-Carr or Digikey but for shiny things.



[[http://www.riogrande.com|Luckily our friend Becky suggested checking out Rio Grande]]. We actually remember looking through their catalogs many years ago - these guys have been around for decades and they have pretty much everything!

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==== For example...  ====


Need a sterling silver chain for your neckace? [[http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/SearchPage.aspx?page=GRID&free_text=sterling%20silver%20chain|They've got 600 different chains]]! You can do some basic drill-down searches to find preciely what you want, and they always have nice big photos!



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What about packaging? Like boxes for your cufflinks? There's 8 options!

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You should really go scour the catalog, its tons of fun - beads, findings, metals, tools, gems, its a great 'window shopping' experience


==== Solar powered!  ====


The neatest thing is that because they are in in New Mexico, the sunniest state in the US, they set up a solar grid that doubles as a car park shade (I can't imagine the pain of trying to get into your car after 8 hours in the NM summer sun. They get 1 MWatt and it helps to run their facility!

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