Buy wholesale online. There are countless web sites that sell jewelry making supplies for cheap, wholesale prices online. Do a search for "wholesale jewelry making supplies" and you'll find many options. With most of these sites, the more you buy, the more you save. So if you need to stock up on findings such as jump rings, ear wires, or clasps, you can buy 100+ and get them for a lower individual price. While this may cost more upfront, it will save you money in the long run.
Look for free shipping. There are a few online stores that have free shipping for their jewelry making supplies. Often, the stores require a minimum order. Artbeads.com has free shipping with no minimum order required!
Go to bead/jewelry trade shows that visit your area. These types of shows are often open to people who sell their jewelry as part of a business, as well as to the public. Some shows require a tax ID or resale number to gain entry or buy at low prices. If you don't have a resale number, be sure to find out before going if this is required.
Buy jewelry from thrift stores. If you're a regular thrift store shopper, you can often find cheap jewelry for sale. The pieces you buy can be taken apart and used for other projects.
Buy from discount craft stores - Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, and Michaels have cheap jewelry making supplies for people shopping on a budget.
Buy wire for wire-wrapping projects from your local hardware store. Dark-annealed steel wire is much cheaper than silver wire and adds a unique look to your jewelry designs. It comes in a variety of gauges.
Use found objects and recycled materials. Look around the house for unused buttons, bottle caps, even washers and screws. These materials are very low-cost and create interesting touches to your designs.