i usually list down the components i need, e.g. locks, connectors, etc... but when it comes to beads and charms, i usually buy 'by eye', meaning whatever catches my fancy, sige lang ako bili... i have so many i havent even used yet...
btw, i was just in quiapo recently, and parang konti yung mga bagong materials... and ang daming wala na rin... anyway, for those looking for semi-precious stones, let me give you an idea on the price from the sellers at 88 bldg: Onyx (round 10mm) 240, Rose Quartz 270, amethyst 270, Jade 330... yan lang naitanong ko eh...