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Yone SF
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Art Supplies [Edit]
478 Union St(at Grant Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighbourhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
(415) 986-1424
- Hours:
Thu-Sat 2 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Andie L. said: "I love this place! Love, love, love! A great little yarn shop! And the women who own the place / work there are a-maaa-zing. I've never taken a class here, but it's where I learned to knit. Much better than ImagiKnit. The people there…" read more »
22 reviews for Yone SF
Review Highlights
22 reviews in English
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Review from jenny k.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2012
Yone is AMAZING! Seriously, you rarely find places with as much character and uniqueness as this store. Such a gem. However, it is the kind of place you should only visit if you have a lot of time and are mentally prepared to fall into another world... totally fairy tale.
Herman couldn't be more endearing. -
Review from Cassandra F.
Aurora, CO
4/3/2012
I stopped in here the last time I was in SF. It's a great bead shop full of lots of unique and exotic stuff. As one other reviewer said, if you're looking for basic beading supplies, this is not the place. This is the place for someone with a little more experience that is looking for that cool unique bead for something you're making. I found some very cool stuff here, but I did find it to be slightly pricier than some of the basic shops I've been to. But for the selection, the price is probably worth it.
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Review from Olliver P.
Ukiah, CA
3/4/2012
If you are looking for rare or cool beads and have lots of time on your hands, this is the place. If you are trying to pick up some basic beading supplies, go somewhere that you can self-serve, because this is not the place. I went in search of bead caps. The woman attendant was very helpful and friendly, but everything is stuffed into boxes. There is no real counter space, so you have to juggle everything in your hands. If you set it down, you might not find it again! They didn't have what I was looking for, which was pretty basic (gold-colored bead caps, but not the cheap-o kind). The bead collection is surely impressive, though, and the owner knows his collection like a family. The hours are limited.
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Review from joan b.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/31/2012
The reviews are as intriguing as this shop, and all are accurate representations of what to expect and the warmth people feel for this place. The owner is really nice. I just could not figure out what to buy. It probably is more for the artistic beader who has some experience. And just because they say they are open at a certain time does not guarantee that someone will be there. Thank goodness it is in North Beach, you can always go and have a cup of coffee while you wait for someone to open up shop. Now that I am more of a beader, I will try to give it another chance. Their website was also hard to figure out--if items were for sale or display only. If I had succeeded in actually making a substantial purchase, aside from a couple of "souvenir" beads, I would give it more stars. But I felt terrible making Herman take out piles of boxes, only to feel it wasn't quite what I wanted. But I was not sure what I wanted. Some Venetian glass beads, perhaps. Maybe next time.
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Review from Serena Y.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2011
This store certainly has character. The little space is filled with beads and beads and beads and beads - everywhere! I think that the beads secretly mate and make more beads. There is every possible kind of bead in there, and the quality varies, like the prices.
If you go, be prepared to be there a looooong time. Not only does it take forever to go through the selection, but once you select them, the owner manually finds the bead in one of 1000 boxes/baggies. Since Herman is probably like 110 years old, this can take a while :-)
I personally liked it and found it charming. But it's certainly not for the impatient. Plus, the place is pretty disorganized, so I can see how it could be overwhelming. To me, it was like a treasure hunt, but if you want a quick trip in and out, I'd skip this place. -
Review from Michelle A.
Atlanta, GA
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is what shopping for beads should be. Boxes upon boxes of treasures waiting to be discovered by you and an incredibly friendly, open owner to help guide you along your way. If X marks the spot, then there's a big one right here on any bead lover's map of San Francisco.
Whether you want glass or stone, ivory or metal, there's a wide variety of beads in all shapes, sizes, and prices. I came away with a nice haul for my trip back to Atlanta, and I was pleased to see the stash be bigger and better than any bead store or show in my neck of the woods can provide.
The owner lets you browse around to your heart's content and when he does finally help you, he's a wealth of information and will let you pick out the beads that match or you feel are exactly what you're looking for. There's plenty of history to read up on around the store as well, and it's really fascinating to read while you wait for Mr. Bee to bring you your prized selections.
Huge selection, fantastic owner... I'm not sure I need much else. Besides shipping the entire shop to my personal doorstep, that is! -
Review from Tu T.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2012
This store is really cute and is a neighborhood store. You can possibly find any bead related stuff. The guy is very helpful who owns the store and has good knowledge to meet your needs :)
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Review from Jen L.
3/18/2007
It's the grand-daddy of the bead stores you see today. The store's changed a lot since I first went 20 years ago. Then, there were numerous salespeople and an overall larger space to walk around & browse. Now, the walking floorspace is smaller, and Herman, the prioprietor, and a 2nd person, seem to be the only staff now.
It's a store jam packed with beads & things; however, not everything is out for display-you'll need to ask. It helps if you have a basic understanding of how to make jewelry since it's a bit disorganized. Herman has great knowledge of beads & is very kind. The hours are somewhat limited, 12-5 every day except Wednesdays & Sundays.
Still, it's got nice eye candy for inspiration! -
Review from Allison B.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2009
I love places filled with stories, and oddly enough this bead store in North Beach has a history.
The owner, Hermon, is an extremely interesting older gentleman who started the business in the 60s! I imagine this bead store sold to the beats and the hippies (you know they love beaded hemp jewelry or is that just a stereotype?). Very cool.
So Hermon knows this area well, and if I have any questions about the neighborhood I'm going to pay him a visit.
The bead store itself is overwhelming, like most bead stores. There is so much to choose from you need a fresh mind and plenty of time. What is unique about this store is that it offers a good selection of "exotic beads," hippie-ish, and antique beads.
If you want a jewelry-making creative haven and a cool (plus helpful!) person to talk to, check this place out! -
Review from Kimberly B.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2010
The best thing about Yone is Hermon, just like everyone says. I didn't find the bead shop overwhelming as other reviewers have suggested, probably because Hermon has created a very laid back atmosphere in this shop, which makes you feel at ease while treasure hunting. Anyway, if the world presents you with a treasure chest like Yone, it's okay to feel a bit overwhelmed by the choices. That's part of the fun!
If precious or semi-precious gemstones are more your thing, just ask him to pull out the trays for you. He's got the gemstones organized by type, and I found it rather easy to find what I wanted once I engaged him in helping me.
I walked away with a beautiful strand of tourmaline (just the way I like it: lots of pink, a bit of green, and no black!), a lovely strand of pink garnets, cute little owl beads, and some terrific gold-filled clasps). He also gave me a deal on everything I purchased, and I didn't even ask.
I purposely didn't buy some items I wanted just so I'd have a reason to go back and visit soon. There's a rather large tray of faceted Citrine rondelles waiting for me to sift through next time I'm in North Beach. Life is good! -
Review from Olivia M.
Santa Monica, CA
1/30/2009
I grew up a few blocks from Yone, and i have to say that it is one of my favorite places in the world. The place is packed with beads wall to wall, floor to ceiling. And not just any beads: beautiful, eclectic, unusual, magical, high quality and many antique ones. There's infinite fodder for inspiration. Even if you're not a beader (although it would probably be helpful if you were), it's a great place to go if you appreciate beauty and great design.
I've spent countless hours here--there's never any pressure or rush. Herman is very helpful, and many times he had found things that go with a particular bead I've fallen in love with. -
Review from Kim S.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2009
This store is a small wonderland filled with bead happiness. At first it's overwhelming. There are literally beads EVERYWHERE. Hanging from above, lying on the counter, packed in boxes. It's enough to make anyone's head spin, but after you're there for a little bit you'll catch your bearings and start your treasure hunting.
This store is not for the weak. If you can handle digging through the piles and racks of Ross Dress for Less after Dress Week, you can handle Yone's Beads. It requires the same patience and dedication of finding the pieces that are right for you. And trust me, you will find a lot that are right for you. Herman's -- who has great stories to tell--collection is mind boggling; even more mind boggling is his ability to find EVERYTHING.
If you are a beader this is the store for you. Roll up your sleeves and dive in. -
Review from Stefanie L.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2011
While I applaud the store-owner's enthusiasm for bead hoarding, this place was way too intense for me. The lighting in the store was atrocious, the organization was non-existent, and the selection was... selective. I say that because, while there was obviously a lot of merchandise in there, it was stylistically limited. I'm sure you could find a rare gem or material somewhere in the depths and piles and drawers, but patience would be a must.
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Review from Susan C.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2008
Love this place. It's like walking into one of the magic shops from the Harry Potter series. Strands of beads hang down everywhere, the counters sparkle and behind them, there is a wall of shelves with little boxes stuffed with more beads. Truly magical.
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Review from Julia W.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2005
A bead lovers haven!!! The only place for beads, pendants and one of a kind jewelry pieces in SF! A 1 man run shop with wall to wall beads - literally. It's a wonderful find.
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Review from nhi t.
Western Addition/NOPA, San Francisco, CA
12/9/2008 1 photo
Wow, walking in this store was amazing. It's true that walking in this store almost feels like walking in to another world. There are beads hanging everywhere and from everything. And I love the small, quaint, and cozy feeling the store has. Also, extra bonus points to the store owner/worker (man you see pictured in the photo there) was so nice, helpful, and extremely patient as I browsed through the store trying to decide what I wanted to get (and I'm a pretty indecisive person). He didn't even bother to tell me that I came in during closing (and I stayed for 2hrs browsing through a whole bunch of beads). Only when I asked him what time he usually closes did he tell me he closes at 5:30pm (I walked in the store at 5:25pm and didn't ask about closing time until around 7:30pm). And I'm amazed at how fast he finds the beads I want in his stock, considering the amount of beads he has in that store. And he even recommended other bead stores to me back near LA (my hometown). And the quality of the beads in this store is great. Waay better than anything you find in your typical craft store. And also a lot better than what I have found previously in the bead district in downtown LA (quality and selection-wise). I can't wait until my next trip to this store to see what I discover next trip.
Oh, and if you plan on visiting, the store is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays so be sure not to go on those days. -
Review from Maureen M.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2006
Yone is a charming store, that is open for 90 seconds a week. It is spectacular that it is in business at all. The process is incredibly inefficient. You pick up the samples that you want and Herman (owner) goes and gets the beads which takes forever. They do have findings and semi-p, but you have to ask to see them. Yone gets three stars for its interesting imports (especially from Africa), glass collection and Herman.
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Review from Monica F.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2008
I love Herman! He has been nothing but super helpful every single time I've come in. This place can be overwhelming sometimes as it has a huge selection of beads. My recent purchase was a crucifix that is about 3 by 4 inches. Thing's massive.
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Review from cyn k.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2010
what a wonderful shop! an absolute treasure trove of unique and beautiful beeds, and the proprietor must be one of the sweetest and earnest people in san francisco. i plan to buy all future gifts for my friends here! plus a ton of goodies for me. :-)
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Review from Jane S.
Oakland, CA
12/11/2010
so many unique and beautiful beads. this is my favorite bead store of all time!
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Review from kim y.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2008
I agree, when you want the biggest choice around and the most unusual beads, you go see Herman at Yone. And he does have funny hours. He's quirky and the place is charming. I account for extra time when I visit as things move at a snails pace when there - you just have to go with the flow. I often stop outside the store for a moment to admire the wooden horses- as they are so beautiful.
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Review from jill g.
Philadelphia, PA
5/30/2009
Amazing! It's clear that Herman has invested his heart and soul in creating this exquisite collection of beads. I used to go to bead shows when I had more time on my hands and I can't remember ever seeing such beautiful stones as he has all in this one spot. I'm so happy I stopped by.
