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The Bead Store
Categories: Shopping Jewellery Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Jewellery, Art Supplies [Edit]
417 Castro St(between 17th St & Market St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighbourhood: Castro
(415) 861-7332
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Go to our website to print out our coupon for great savings. www.grjewelers.com
29 reviews for The Bead Store
Review Highlights
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"New necklace is a success." In 6 reviews -
"...for beads made of semi-precious stones or looking for a..." In 3 reviews -
"...helped me pick out which clasp would be most secure, and..." In 4 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Sophia Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2012
this is a review of their service. 5 stars!
I went in, asked for what I wanted. the woman at the desk knew exactly what I needed from almost across the room - 4mm cabachon pearl.
sorry we don't have it. but you can call around. and you can write down what you need - here is paper and pencil. and General Bead might have it or another store.
oh, so nice! to a customer that didn't buy anything. but I will definitely be recommending them for people who need help! thank you for being nice and having such great service and positive attitude. -
Review from Scarlet F.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011
Great bead store if you are looking for beads made of semi-precious stones or looking for a really beautiful beads & don't have time to wade through the selection elsewhere.
It is a small store with limited hours and a bit pricey. But if I need a bead or some beads on the fly- I know I can go there and get what I need.
The woman working there was very nice and helpful too. She recommended the best cord for my project.
Will definitely be back -
Review from Sean B.
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
My friend wanted to pop in today as we were walking past... she wanted to create a necklace of some sort, and thought that it would be a good resource for her. The woman working there was definitely into her craft, and was very engaged and talkative with my friend... Honestly, I sort of zoned out as it's not my thing, and wandered aimlessly around the store.
Other reviews criticize the place for a small selection and limited displays, and I get that. It's fair enough, it's not a huge place. But I have a hunch that you can order anything you want, if it's that important to you.
Anyway, it seemed inexpensive, and convenient, and the lady was friendly. So if it's your thing, go check it out... -
Review from James T.
Seattle, WA
6/25/2011
I had a glass bead I had bought at Pike Place in Seattle that I wanted to get a leather cord for, and I am clueless about all things bead and jewelry related.
The lady at the shop guided me through picking a cord, helped me select a length, helped me pick out which clasp would be most secure, and then put it all together for me. The total cost ended up being like 6$, and she refused to accept any compensation for going above and beyond.
In short, awesome. If you need something bead-ish, go here. Amazingly nice people make such a huge difference. -
Review from S F.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2008
Does The Bead Store have the absolute best selection in the city? Nope. It is pretty standard- lots of pretty beads, clasps, and pendants. Good enough for me to always check it out on my bead-hunting rounds, but not the best.
Does The Bead Store have the largest selection or widest variety in the city? Nope. The selection, and the store, are on the smaller side.
Does The Bead Store have super friendly, hip staff who go out of their way to help you with your latest project? Not really. They sit back, beadin' up a storm, waiting for your approach. I actually prefer it this way, and know many beaders who do also.
So why the hell does it get a 5 star review? I've got three words for you: Phenomenal Customer Service. Lemme tell ya a little story:
I love beading and making jewelry. I don't think I'm whiz at it, but I'm pretty good, and I often get compliments on the necklaces and earrings I make. This is actually quite a strange hobby for me to choose, considering I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, and the fine motor skills required to bead absolutely KILL my hands. But I love it anyway.
Last Holiday season, I came in and purchased around $200 dollars of supplies. They put everything in a small plastic container, and I hopped on Muni to go downtown to do more Christmas shopping. While on the train, I decided it would be an excellent idea to pull out my beads. I'm like a squirrel this way- if i have shiny things in my possession I must gaze at them, I MUST.
You can probably guess what happened next: $200 worth of beads ended up on the floor of the train. It was mortifying, I was trying to crawl around to pick them up, but I lost so many...
I went back to the store the next day, and when the woman behind the counter inquired why I was back the next day to buy the same stuff, I told her my story. Upon check out, she rung me up and then at the last moment slipped a little bag in my hand and whispered "Merry Christmas, dear".
5 stars for good selection, laid back staff, and the generous sales woman who gave me a sweet Christmas surprise- a hundred dollars worth of beautiful, unique beads.Listed in: It's All About the Beads!
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Review from Liz S.
8/14/2006
How do I love thee, Bead Store? Let me count the ways.
1/ You are small and intimate. I feel that the selection is very personal. There are other, bigger bead stores in the city, but you are the one for me.
2/ Your staff is no-nonsense, knowledgeable, and serious about what they do. This is not a store for Junior-League crafters dabbling in trendy "ethnic" looks. It's for people who make and/or truly appreciate beaded jewelry.
3/ You inspire me. I cannot go into the store without wanting to create something. I am curious about the history of the beads and where they are made. The rough-cut glass beads feel like they were unearthed from a distant archaeological dig. I love all of the textures and colors, and making patterns in my head of all of the infinite combinations.
If you love beads, stop by and visit this tiny emporium. They have a selection of ready-made pieces for the creatively challenged. The instructions are simple and posted on the wall - select individual or strands of beads, and either select the materials to string them yourself or pay the store to do it for you. Either way, you are sure to create a unique piece.
I used to have a favorite ritual of visiting the Bead Store followed by a trip to the Faerie Queen next door for a morsel or two of decadent chocolate. Sadly, the Faerie Queen is no longer there. However, my experience is no less rich and satisfying - and now, calorie-free.Listed in: My Secret Registry
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Review from Christina S.
Costa Mesa, CA
2/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Thanks to Yelp I found this little shop in the Castro area and luckily walked out with under $100 of stuff. I was looking for more quirky sort of kitschy beads to make jewelry with that I really didn't find here however I found some good pieces here. Lots of African sort of beads. Apparently the owner has a dealer that specializes in African beads and imports them. My favorite was the African Amber. So pretty and somewhat expensive at $11 per bead. Of course I had to go like the most expensive ones.
Most part this place is awesome. I ended up picking up tons of beads prices starting at 35 cents up to $2. Lots of gem stones like onyx, quartz, amber etc etc. The selection of chains was limited but I ended up finding new fun things to make jewelry with. The girl that was working the counter was friendly we got into talking about wire wrapping for I am trying to nail it down to a perfect T and she had some helpful suggestions. It's worth a visit if in the area. -
Review from susan h.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2011
The women at this store are some of the kindest, easy going people I have met. They are happy to help you with your project or, if they don't have what is needed, direct you to another bead store without hesitation. They want their customers to get the best possible result no matter what. WONDERFUL!!!
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Review from Paul L.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2011
All I needed was a lobster-claw clasp for a chain. Total cost: $0.50. Despite the low purchase amount, the proprietor let me borrow her tools and gave me a space to work to attach it right then and there. She was also quite friendly.
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Review from Paige M.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2010
Every time I go in to The Bead Store I leave feeling happy. Sure, the selection is small, but it's just such a friendly place. You feel like you're amongst friends. It feels welcoming and I like being there. The staff is top notch, knowledgable and so very kind.
What a difference from General Bead, which has every bead known to humankind, but feels cold and hostile. I wish The Bead Store had more in stock, but I always start my bead hunt there. -
Review from Serena Y.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2011
Didn't love it. It's not even the small selection, so much as the totally bored, I'm-too-hipster-for-you attitude of the woman who worked there. This couple came in looking for some ideas for a present, and she was just totally dismissive. I wanted to jump in and help them!
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Review from Stefanie L.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2011
I was going to dock this place a couple stars for being incredibly small and overpriced, but I'm in a giving mood. It also helps that this tiny store helps supplement the basics-oriented stores in SOMA with truly unique beads from overseas (mostly Africa). Bead shopping is all about patience and curiosity, and I think this store is worth a visit, especially if you're already taking the time to check out other stores throughout the city. Despite its cramped quarters (and kind of poor lighting), the actual selection is really diverse and beautiful. You'll definitely find unique "centerpiece" beads and discover interesting color combinations. Just be sure to buy your actual supplies somewhere else, because you'll spend too much money.
Listed in: Bead It
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Review from April F.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2011
Call to find out about the FREE classes they offer. I took the one in January on making feather earrings and got a 10% discount on all the hardware I needed. Haley who teaches the class is great. Small locally owned biz-with fair prices, and great people. Happy Beading!
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Review from Solstice B.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2011
the workers there are super nice and very helpful. They have a beautiful selection of beads and stones. I most appreciate their encouragement of our own creativity in bead and jewelry making. I love friday night workshop time. it's a great time to get individual help on our own projects. Bead stores are becoming fewer and fewer these days and so when I do find a store that rocks such as this place, its important we spread the word to support the places we love. thank u Hayle and Angela!
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Review from the asian jedi ..
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2010
Dear dumb red head at the counter. I hope that you are help and not the owner. Everything you have is run of the mill. The only thing that you had going for you was a Tuareg pendant that I oh so ever waited so patiently for a few answers. No hello welcome can I help you. Whatevs. Saw your nasty nineties platforms....grrr... I am the highlander of bad ninties platform oxfords. ewww. But really though, what is up? In this recession can you really afford to not give customer service?
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Review from Alex Y.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2008
I asked them to customize a necklace for me using some jade-like beads. For $10, they did a pretty good job, but somehow, I felt like I could've made it on my own. Then again, I'd have to buy all the supplies, and it'd probably cost more.
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Review from Kelly S.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2006
The selection of beads is interesting. A lot of large, rough cut semi-precious. The best part of this store is the interesting staff. Be cool, hang out, time your approach and you might be able to get some good advice on technique.
Listed in: Pretty Sparkly Things
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Review from Julia D.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2008
Girl at counter was rude, not helpful, didn't have basic tools, and quit waiting on me when someone else came up. Don't bother going out of your way for this store.
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Review from Sally M.
6/24/2009
I saw this shop on the 24 back & forth btw Noe Valley one day, and since re-creating a necklace I love was one of my mini-projects during my time-off these past 2 months, I immediately took note. I stopped in yesterday btw appointments, and the girls here were fab! New necklace is a success. I got to select the clasp & accoutrements, and given I haven't made jewelry in years, one of the girls kindly did it for me - measuring meticulously, as she professed she was a perfectionist! (perfect! since i am too) :) Done and done.
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Review from Susan C.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2008
I've really only bought finished jewelry here. The bead selection isn't the best, but the lady at the counter was really sweet.
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Review from Sarah E.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2010
I went in on saturday to see if they were able to help me remake an anklet and necklace i got in Mexico that had broken. The lady was EXTREMELY helpful and really lovely. I am so pleased i have been able to fix two pieces of really sentimental jewellery. I am hoping to do some classes at the bead store soon!
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Review from Mel P.
8/10/2006
Beads galore! OMG! So many beautiful beads for all your creative needs! I just come here to look because I know I'm going to want to buy buckets of beads! This place does have beautiful jewelry as well! It's a great place--just take your time and have a ball!
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Review from Mike R.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/10/2010
I had a great time at the store again. I have a very important necklace and it needed a new wrap. That lady did an amazing job!! She was very very nice and helpful and she made it look seamless. I am even happier with the way she made it this time than the last. These people really care about their work and it shows tremendously.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/22/2008
This lady was so cool. It was the older lady. I am not sure if she owned it or not but treated me… Read more »
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Review from S M.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2010
Great little shop. Helpful and fabulous staff. Not an endless selection but enough stuff to make bedazzling jewelry!
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Review from Amanda L.
Camp Lejeune, NC
9/6/2007
My aunt let me do a tour of bead stores when I visited her, and this was my absolute favorite of all bead stores, including any I've been in in Illinois. The staff is friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and generally amazing. They have fun, unique pieces that were truly great for an artist like me.
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Review from Mishka L.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2006
This store has an extensive selection of beads (including antique beads) and the owner is very helpful, warm, and patient.
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Review from giselle s.
Portland, OR
6/10/2011
Outstanding store on all counts! They have the inventory and supplies I need, the prices are very good, and the staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. The staff here are real standouts- they're extremely generous with their time and help. They've taught me many crucial techniques for putting together my jewelry projects, and they are the prime reason I always recommend the store.
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Review from alice h.
Albuquerque, NM
4/11/2007
friendly staff, small selection, and seems on the pricey side to me. they have lots of beautiful semi-precious stones though- makes me wish i could use them in my projects. not many seed beads.
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Review from ally p.
Healdsburg, CA
7/10/2010
The Bead Store is one of my favorite spots to find the perfect necklace or earrings. They can help you fix anything. I have gone there with a necklace full of knots, they were so great, they untangled it and wouldn't let me give them a penny. Maggie and Haley are always so helpful and couldn't be nicer. I always pop in when I am in the neighborhood!
