Continental Bead Suppliers is a trusted wholesale supplier of tarnish-free and waterproof jewelry components for designers, permanent jewelry artists, and retailers across the United States. Our non-tarnish collection is built on durable stainless steel cores with PVD vacuum plating — engineered to resist water, sweat, and daily wear without fading, discoloring, or turning skin green.
Whether you're stocking a retail store, supplying a permanent jewelry studio, or building an online brand, we offer true wholesale pricing with no minimum order requirements on most items. Every component in this collection is nickel-free, lead-safe, and hypoallergenic — giving your customers jewelry they can wear every day with confidence.
What's in Our Tarnish-Free Wholesale Collection
Our non-tarnish jewelry wholesale inventory includes hundreds of components across every major category. Everything is made from 316L stainless steel with PVD vacuum plating in waterproof gold — the same process used in luxury watches to create a finish that won't chip, peel, or tarnish.
Waterproof Gold Chains
We carry over 40 styles of tarnish-free chains sold by the foot or by the spool, including cable, curb, paperclip, rope, figaro, box, satellite, and specialty designs. All chains are stainless steel with PVD gold coating and can withstand daily wear for 1–2+ years without fading. Popular with permanent jewelry artists as a cost-effective alternative to gold-filled chain.
→ Browse all waterproof gold chains
Non-Tarnish Clasps & Closures
Lobster clasps, spring rings, toggle clasps, and connectors in waterproof gold — available in multiple sizes from extra-small (9mm) to large. Sold individually or in bulk packs. All stainless steel core with PVD finish.
Waterproof Gold Beads & Spacers
Round spacer beads in 2mm through 6mm, plus specialty beads, letter charms, and zodiac charms — all in tarnish-free waterproof gold. Sold individually or by the dozen.
→ Browse waterproof beads & charms
Stainless Steel Findings & Components
Our stainless steel findings line includes jump rings, head pins, eye pins, bead caps, connectors, earwires, and cord ends. Available in both natural stainless finish and PVD waterproof gold. These are the backbone of any tarnish-free jewelry line.
Why Our Non-Tarnish Jewelry Lasts
The term "waterproof jewelry" gets thrown around a lot, but not all tarnish-free products are created equal. Here's what sets our collection apart:
PVD Vacuum Plating Process
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a plating technology where gold particles are bonded to stainless steel at the molecular level in a vacuum chamber. Unlike traditional electroplating which applies a thin surface layer, PVD creates a coating that is physically fused to the base metal. The result is a finish that is significantly harder and more scratch-resistant than standard gold plating, and it won't peel, chip, or flake over time.
316L Stainless Steel Base
Every component starts with surgical-grade 316L stainless steel — the same alloy used in medical implants and high-end watches. This base metal is inherently corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic, and contains no nickel that would cause skin reactions. Even if the gold coating were to wear through over years of use, the stainless steel underneath will not tarnish or discolor.
What "Waterproof" Means in Practice
Our waterproof gold components are designed to handle everyday exposure to water, including hand washing, rain, and light sweating. For maximum longevity, we recommend customers avoid prolonged submersion in chlorinated pools or saltwater, exposure to harsh chemicals and cleaning products, and direct application of perfumes or lotions on the jewelry. With normal daily wear and basic care, our tarnish-free components maintain their appearance for 1–2 years or longer.
Wholesale Pricing & How It Works
We offer wholesale tarnish-free jewelry pricing to qualified businesses including jewelry designers, permanent jewelry artists, retail stores, online sellers, and distributors. Here's how our wholesale program works:
Getting Started
To access wholesale pricing, you'll need to apply for a wholesale account. The process takes about 24–48 hours for approval. You'll need a valid resale certificate or tax ID. Once approved, wholesale pricing is automatically applied when you log in.
What Wholesale Buyers Get
- True wholesale pricing — significant discounts off retail prices across our entire catalog
- No minimum order on most items — buy what you need without being forced into large quantities
- Bulk discounts — additional savings when purchasing larger quantities of chains by the spool or findings in bulk packs
- Early access to new products — we introduce new styles monthly and wholesale accounts get first access
- Drop-shipping available — we can ship directly to your customers with no branding from us
- Dedicated support — phone, email, and Zoom consultations to help you build your inventory
Don't Have a Tax ID?
No problem — we also sell at retail prices to individual buyers. First-time retail customers can subscribe for 30% off their first order. You don't need a business license to shop with us.
Who Buys Tarnish-Free Jewelry Wholesale
Our waterproof jewelry wholesale customers include a wide range of businesses and makers:
- Permanent jewelry artists — Our waterproof gold chains are a cost-effective alternative to gold-filled, designed specifically for welded-on permanent bracelets and necklaces
- Jewelry designers & brands — Build a tarnish-free product line without the price tag of solid gold or gold-filled materials
- Retail stores & boutiques — Stock waterproof jewelry that customers can wear daily without worry
- Online sellers — We offer drop-shipping so you can sell our components without holding inventory
- Craft show vendors — Durable, attractive components that justify premium pricing at markets and fairs
Care Instructions for Tarnish-Free Jewelry
Share these care tips with your customers to help them get the longest life from their waterproof jewelry:
- Daily wear is fine — hand washing, rain, and light exercise won't damage the finish
- Keep it dry when possible — remove before swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean
- Avoid chemicals — take off jewelry before applying perfume, lotion, hairspray, or cleaning products
- Clean gently — wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap and warm water, then dry completely
- Store properly — keep in a dry place, ideally in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent surface scratching
When cared for properly, our PVD-coated waterproof gold components maintain their appearance for 1–2 years of daily wear. The stainless steel base will last indefinitely.
Ready to Stock Tarnish-Free Jewelry?
Whether you're launching a new jewelry brand or adding waterproof components to your existing line, Continental Bead Suppliers has the inventory, pricing, and support to help your business grow.
Apply for Wholesale Shop the Collection Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tarnish-free jewelry and gold-filled jewelry?
Gold-filled jewelry uses a thick layer of gold bonded to a brass core through heat and pressure. Tarnish-free or waterproof gold jewelry uses PVD vacuum plating to bond gold to a stainless steel core at the molecular level. Gold-filled is thicker and lasts longer (5–10+ years) but costs significantly more. PVD waterproof gold offers a similar look at a fraction of the price and lasts 1–2+ years with daily wear, making it an excellent choice for affordable jewelry lines and permanent jewelry.
Is your waterproof jewelry really nickel-free?
Yes. All of our tarnish-free components are built on 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, which is inherently nickel-free and hypoallergenic. They are safe for customers with nickel sensitivities and meet lead-safety standards.
Can I use these chains for permanent jewelry?
Absolutely. Our waterproof gold chains are widely used by permanent jewelry artists as a cost-effective alternative to gold-filled chain. They weld cleanly and hold up well to daily wear. We carry multiple chain styles in sizes appropriate for permanent bracelets and necklaces.
What wholesale pricing do you offer?
Wholesale pricing is available to approved businesses with a valid resale certificate or tax ID. Discounts are applied automatically when you log into your wholesale account. We also offer additional bulk pricing on larger orders. Apply for wholesale here.
Do you offer drop-shipping for tarnish-free jewelry?
Yes. We offer drop-shipping services where we ship directly to your customers with no Continental Bead Suppliers branding on the package. This is ideal for online sellers who want to offer waterproof jewelry without holding inventory. Learn more about drop-shipping with us.
How do I know which chain style to choose?
We carry over 40 chain styles in our waterproof gold collection. If you're unsure what would work best for your business, you can book a free Zoom consultation with our team and we'll walk you through the options, help you pick the right styles, and build your first order together.