Bead Source

A delightful experience. The owner is talented and helpful and is a true bead aficionado ! No Michales big box experience here. Glad they’re still here.

The beads piece has everything you need to make or fix Jewelry. Great quality and selection of pendants and stones.

The two staff in the store were stand-offish to the point of being rude, until it became clear that we were going to spend $200 on beads. Then they completely changed their tune and became super friendly. If the staff reconsidered their approach to customer service they could have had a repeat customer given their lovely bead selection. Isn’t it good practice to be polite to any potential customer regardless of what they look like?

Excellent staff. Knowledgeable and friendly. Good representation of basic jewelry making supplies and beads. Online can be cheaper. But this is an invaluable neighborhood resource (there are several other branches in the LA area. They staff go out of their way to help you. You may stumble on a surprise sale on a bead you're needed for years. They have classes. Won't find that online.

The lady there was helpful. They have a smaller selection of beads but a wide enough range to make it worth going there. I needed to go to a store to look at the beads instead of going online to buy them. Yes they were more expensive but it was worth seeing them in oerson.

Always has such cool finds! Everything you need, including tools. Very helpful staff (and the mala necklaces they make are beautiful) so you can also buy the jewelry they make here!

Nice place to things make thing with beads. Can spend lot's of time in here

Nice spot for certain types of beads and findings that may not be found in Michaels, Joann or even some downtown stores. Although it does appear that some of the same findings in Bead Source are actually in Michaels and Joann but priced higher

A delightful experience. The owner is talented and helpful and is a true bead aficionado ! No Michales big box experience here. Glad they’re still here.

The beads piece has everything you need to make or fix Jewelry. Great quality and selection of pendants and stones.

The two staff in the store were stand-offish to the point of being rude, until it became clear that we were going to spend $200 on beads. Then they completely changed their tune and became super friendly. If the staff reconsidered their approach to customer service they could have had a repeat customer given their lovely bead selection. Isn’t it good practice to be polite to any potential customer regardless of what they look like?

Excellent staff. Knowledgeable and friendly. Good representation of basic jewelry making supplies and beads. Online can be cheaper. But this is an invaluable neighborhood resource (there are several other branches in the LA area. They staff go out of their way to help you. You may stumble on a surprise sale on a bead you're needed for years. They have classes. Won't find that online.

The lady there was helpful. They have a smaller selection of beads but a wide enough range to make it worth going there. I needed to go to a store to look at the beads instead of going online to buy them. Yes they were more expensive but it was worth seeing them in oerson.

Always has such cool finds! Everything you need, including tools. Very helpful staff (and the mala necklaces they make are beautiful) so you can also buy the jewelry they make here!

Nice place to things make thing with beads. Can spend lot's of time in here

Nice spot for certain types of beads and findings that may not be found in Michaels, Joann or even some downtown stores. Although it does appear that some of the same findings in Bead Source are actually in Michaels and Joann but priced higher

As someone who isn't too crafty, visiting this store was a bit overwhelming. There are so many types of beads that it would be hard to want something that's not readily available. Want to note however, that the beads were a bit old so maybe better to skip this place if you're looking for more modern/updated-looking beads. Parking was in front or in nearby residential streets and the store owner is the only worker there it seems so please have some patience if you need assistance.

I went into the shop yesterday for the first time and met Sue. She patiently listened to what I needed. I was in search of a new clasp for my double bracelet combination as my current clasp was too hard for me to get on and off. She tried several different options (even on herself) to see which was the easiest to get on and off. Then she taught me how to double up the bracelets and clasp them. She was professional, friendly, and a problem solver. I walked around the store and looked at their selections of other items and it's just what I was looking for. I have given up on my other shop because they are no longer open on nights and weekends, so this was just absolutely perfect. I highly recommend this establishment. Ask for Sue or Denise!

Great work. Best. Sometimes alittle pricey but it always looks great when they are done. So much to Choose from. Love going in and taking time to decide next beautiful piece.

This place has been open forever! The people who work here are so friendly, patient and helpful! I find everything I come out looking for! I even found this beautiful Buddha and gold chain

I was in the area and wanted to check out some beads so I dropped by and was able to spend about an hour or so looking through all the pendants and accessories. I was greeted by one of the workers sitting behind the counter but otherwise pretty much ignored, lol. I was disappointed by the customer service I received, there was no casual conversation or offering to help. Although when I did ask for assistance one of the lady's did help me with all I needed but it was basically me asking her to look at things and she'd pull them out, she didn't seem like she didn't want to help me but she also didn't offer anything outside of that aside from "pretty" when we were looking through all the boxes. I even asked her, "do you do a lot of crafting or jewelry making?" and she simply said "oh, yeah". Go girl, give me nothing! They have a large selection of small pendants on the floor and I spent a majority of my time looking through them. The pendants are organized by likeness it seems but they are all pretty random and I wasn't really impressed. To be honest, I stared at the selection of beads they had on the walls but NOTHING really called to me. The only thing that did were the strings of pearls hanging behind the counter but I freaking love pearls! I was pleasantly surprised to find some ceramic and Murano beads at the entrance but I was wishing they had a larger collection as it was just decent. So, here is my tip... the treasure is really in the glass cases they use for counters, if you want to find some things you like, definitely ask to see some of their boxes of findings, more precious and also singular beads and more! I really got excited when I started asking the ladies that worked there to see some of their sterling silver pendants and findings because that's what I really look for. They did also have BEAUTIFUL strings of Baroque pearls I wished so dearly to buy, I have never seen Baroque pearls at any bead store!

This store has a 'meh' selection of beads, tools and string for getting crafty. I needed a few clasps, rubber string for bracelets and some color string to make a necklace. It was my first time visiting so I took a look around to see if I might want anything else since I usually grab more than I came in for when I visit bead stores. Ninety percent of the time, I'll take a look around then end up grabbing a tray and making something on the spot because I feel inspired by the bead selection but, not at this store. I wasn't much impressed by the store or the lady working, no conversation outside of "hello". I literally did one walk around the store, looked at the so-so selection and bought exactly what I had gone in for. They have a free small parking in the back and I was the only person in the store yet there was not one single parking spot open. Grrr.

Lady was nice enough- I guess... I got there at 5:25pm!!! TOO LATE!!!! They close at 5:30pm. My first time here. Walked up I told her exactly what I needed and she told me to come back on Tuesday if I don't mind... on Tuesday?!...oh well... I guess I MAY have to go to Amazon! . She answered my questions as to what bead I was looking for and whether not they had it!! Maybe I wanted to much in such a short period of time. After going back the NEXT DAY I was soooo happy with my findings! Thank you Ladies for all of your help!

I love coming here for beads. I come here at least once a month with my sister. They have a HUGE selection and the ladies at the counter are such sweethearts. They are so kind and knowledgeable and always make my day. Love you Sue, love you Denise!!

This store had a nice selection of Swarovski bicones, but the firepolish and seed bead selection was subpar, and a bit overpriced. I believe they also sell delica beads, but they are not labeled as such. As others have mentioned, the store could use a bit of dusting. I was on the fence about going to this store because of the reviews/photos. I could tell by the photos that there would probably not be anything there that would make it a worthwhile trip. While I did buy a few things, I don't think it was a worthwhile trip. The customer service was ok...though I did not find either of the two ladies particularly engaging.

I had been shopping at the store before the pandemic for years. I was searching for the hours of the store and came across some negative reviews. I was shocked! I went to the store and the women that work there are Wonderful ,Friendly,and Helpful! This store is amazing!! Please remember, "There are two sides to every story " ps thank you Denise for all of your help.

My new go-to place!!! Needed a few pieces to complete a project. Denise provided me with A+ customer service. I will be back!!!

I usually go downtown LA to purchase my beads. I was on the 405 and I googled "Bead shop near me" and this location came up, so I started directions and drove to this business. Up on entering, Immediately I felt very unwelcome. I was not acknowledged upon entering the and the salesperson continued to speak with the customer without saying "I will be with you in a minute"or any other type of welcoming gesture. I'm a woman of color and I felt as if I did not belong in that store. The customer she was waiting on acted as if I was out of place there as well. She kept glancing at me and glancing down. I have a jewelry business and I buy hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of beads monthly. I regret getting off the 405 and even entering this store. The selection was horrible anyway. I felt as if they thought I was going to rob them. If you want strange vibrations from an uptight older lady and a outdated bead shop, this is your place. It feels good to know I'm not the only one who feels their customer service sucks. I thought it was a racial thing but now after reading some of the Yelp reviews, I see it is a customer service issue..

I started coming to the Bead Source 8 years ago. I had to make a necklace for a costume for my daughter. Since that time I have become a regular and have learned new skills all thanks to the help and inspiration from Denise and Sue. They are patient, thoughtful and encouraging. Every time I go I get inspired to make some new by the jewelry they are wearing which they make themselves. They always offer suggestions to what will work with my own projects. I really cannot say enough great things about them and the store. A true gem.

The Bead Source is my go to for all of my essentials . I get everything from jump rings, pearls, stones and well just all Types of beads. But most importantly I get treated with the utmost respect...maybe it's because I know respect is a two way street . After all the years of going in there I trust their opinion. The two ladies that work there know their stuff and so when I have questions and the store is not packed they take their time to give me guidance and advice when I don't have a clue on materials to use to design my pieces . The quality is bar none the best in Los Angeles and trust me I have been to many bead stores and yet I always find my way back there . It is a bit of a drive but when you find a place that gives you this type of service chances are you will find yourself going again and again. The prices are pretty competitive . I always go in with a mask on because I respect people around me and I do not want to get sick nor do I want them to get sick . So out of common decency and safety I always wear my mask. They have hand sanitizer at the door and clean pens. Going there and making pieces has helped me to keep my sanity during times of Covid. I applaud them for trying to keep their customers safe and for following the protocols set by our Mayor. I guess if you are one of those people that find it difficult to wear a mask then maybe it's not the place foe you. I know one thing for sure I will always go back and I will always look forward to their expert advice and a smile when I walk through the door. So thank you to the ladies for spending the time to offer instructions when they can and for always pointing me in the right direction . You are the Real gems in the store and I value you .

Stopped by here on a Sunday with my mom to find some beads for a small project. A cute little whole in the wall shop that's definitely got a mom&pop feel to it. Only downfall of this place is prices add up really quick! Know what your looking for and go in and snag it. If not you'll end up buying knick knacks you don't really need. Would I go back again? Eh. I can just go to Joanns craft store and get more bang for my buck. They have unique beads for one of a kind pieces.. But if you're on a budget not the go to place. PS. They're not the most friendly of people either (the employees that is). Don't expect being helped unless your handing the cashier your debit card.

I found some cool and unique beads in here. It's just a small and local bead shop that felt cute and homey. Happy with the stuff I got and lady at the counter was knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.

The customer service at the Pico store is horrendous. There are usually two older women working at a time. One is decent, the other is so rude. Bitchy if I can say that. She speaks with such an attitude. She is really very cold and super unhelpful. I only go in the store because I need something right away. Otherwise I would but online from another store. I can guarantee that will never step foot in there again. I've had done pieces made in the past but I'd rather pay triple to go somewhere else. Covid didn't bring out the best in this woman at all! She should be happy that people are still going to the store.

I went in the store to buy some storage jewelry items. They didn't have the kind I was looking for. While there I looked at a tray of beads strands and end up buying some. Denise was very gracious and patient the whole time as the store was empty of other customer. My problem with this store is their policy of no exchange / no refund. Even so I feel responsible for not taking more attention to their signs ! or asking about their policy before paying for my purchase I only noticed the red ink stamp Denise put on the back of the receipt when I was home and I had decided to return or exchange one strand. It took place yesterday late afternoon. I called Denise this morning who confirm no return/ no exchange, emphasizing that signs are all over the store. While this ironclad policy is understandable it is also debatable. There is always an exception to the rule that is not abused and a first time. Entering I felt that this store was not a high end merchandise place but looked anyway. I end-up outrageously overpaying for the strands I bought. I broke my rule of no impulse buying/ do research first. M. G.

Great service. Good workmanship. Exactly as I asked. I brought my on beads. But they have millions in inventory. Parking meter street parking.

Always love coming here for various projects! The staff has always been sweet, kind, and helpful to me since I first started shopping here over a decade ago. The selection is vast and diverse, and I enjoy taking my time taking a peek at everything they have to offer! There are times when it does get really busy, and both of the women that work there do the best they can to take care of everyone's needs. If it's your first time visiting the shop, I would advise that you give yourself some time to take a look at everything, and time to have any questions answered that you may need. There are a few parking spots in the back, but typically there are many metered spots on the block out in front of the shop. I love this store, and will continue to shop here many more times in the future!

I don't know where to start, oh okay how about the pricing is highly inconsistent, non-existent, or encrypted. The staff are each nasty pieces of work in their own right. They talked me into purchasing a discount card at one point but then conveniently couldn't find it whenever I tried to shop. When it expired they managed to find it again just in time to urge me to pay the renewal fee. The natural stone beads are of very poor quality and the stones for the mineral chips that are supposed to be buffed smooth are sharp or so randomly drilled that many are unusable. It's not that the staff is incapable of quality service but is so inconsistent, maybe there is a secret handshake? The stock is unimpressive and key items may be missing or so dusty and bleached as to be unusable. This is not a discount store either-they're about twice the price of Michael's or Joannes but without anything inspired that you'd expect from a boutique. That reminds me-Michael's has classes if you need help. Honestly I'm amazed they're still open and have begun to wonder if it's real business or for show (LA seems to have a lot of them)

Very rude and unhelpful. Lady with short white hair asked if I needed anything but once I asked for other information regarding where I might find something they didn't have the lady just said I don't know and walked away. So unhelpful.

Prices here are insane. 10x the prices you see Downtown in the jewelry district. Most of the metal findings are tarnished from being left out in containers and not stored properly and are dusty and have cob webs on them. Not sure who their target customer is but you'd have to be very naive and inexperienced at buying beads/findings to shop here.

They made me feel invisible. Two staff focused on one client while I clearly needed help as I stood waiting. Plus I got the stink eye for having my kids with me --and they are not little. Surely I can and will take my business elsewhere.

I have been a customer for 10 plus years. Due to the pandemic I had not been into the store but yesterday I decided I needed to go back in for a specific charm. As always I had an amazing experience, the ladies are always helpful and try to make sure each customer gets their full attention, when they aren't packed with other customers of course. Even though I am vaccinated I was relieved to know the store has a mask policy still in place. It made me feel extra safe.

They're patient, consistent, hard-working, knowledgeable, fun and kind. Denise rocks my world!

Great neighborhood find!! They had everything I needed. I love to find a local mom and pop to find the things I need. I'll be back.

The customer service at this store is AWFUL. I really tried to like this place because conveniently close by and has a decent selection, however, every time I go in, the two ladies working there make me feel unwelcome and bothersome. I've bought from Bead Source several times, but they still treat me like I am annoying them. They also aren't very responsive or helpful with questions.

I am new to jewelry making, and Sue & Lisa were especially helpful. They have a lot of inventory, and Sue was very helpful and patient while I got everything I'd needed to make my first necklace. Its close to home too ! I'd recommend!

I had great service, the selection is immense, and they have parking in the back of the building. I just can't get down with a no exchange policy....would probably return but only if I am around in their hood.

Bead Store is as good as it gets! This Bead Shop has the most talented people working there!!! The customer service is A+. Especially the manager Denise This bead store has soooo many beautiful beads, and a staff that can make great suggestions, and even have the patience to show you some really hip tips!!!! This is my creative outlet, and going in to the store is like an expeirance of heaven! And everything is priced so reasonably. I recommend anyone and everyone to stop in to one of the stores and make something special and totally unexpected! I LOVE BEAD SOURCE!!

Went to this shop to get supplies to repair a large church Rosary. I came in with a segment of beads and chain and the lovely woman who helped us was simply awesome! She helped us select the right type of chain to use in between the beads and also helped us find eye pins of the right length. While we were there she also helped us find a clasp to repair a bracelet for my mom. Prices are very reasonable, it was less than $20 for everything we needed and I still had supplies left over to make a "repair kit" to leave at the church in case the Rosary breaks again. They have a wide variety of findings, beads and tools for jewelry making, but I was really impressed with their selection of chains - they have a whole display board to make selecting chain easy. Hint: order 1 or 2 feet more than you need, you won't regret it and it may save you a return trip! I'll definitely go back again for my next beading project!

I love this place! Great product and great prices!! The lovely woman there helped me from start to finish (I'm a beginner). Definitely going back!

I will not come back, that's for sure... The place has a great selection of beads, charms, rhinestones and other supplies, which could make it a lovely store, but the staff is so unpleasant, I can't imagine anyone wanting to come back, unless they had a "crafting emergency." After daring to ask one of the women working there a simple question (whether they had monogram beads made of metal, not wood), she simply shrugged, then turned away. Uhm, excuse me...? It was a yes or no question... Clearly, this person has no clue about customer service. The other worker was a little more helpful, she actually stepped out from behind the counter to help me look, but she couldn't find what I needed either. (Which is fine,but not even answering the question is ridiculous!) I looked around in the store anyway and while turning a corner, I caught an eyeroll between the two of them. That was a first. Since when is helping a customer for a total of 2 minutes a big enough inconvenience to roll your eyes over? I tried telling myself that these two women's unprofessional and rude behavior should not influence my buying decision, and with a heavy heart I chose a few items that were great for my project. I paid for it and thanked the second woman (who helped me) and she replied: "Mhmm." Not a thank you, not a you're welcome... I walked out puzzled by their behavior and I definitely regret my decision to shop there. Thinking back, I should have said something, but judging by the rest of their reviews, this is just how they operate: treat the customer like an annoyance, an interruption of their day. Very odd! I gave it 2 stars because they have a great selection, but their service is inexcusably horrible.

Amazing mom and pop (but really just mom) bead store... we need to support our local businesses!! But not to mention, they have the BEST prices and selection in town!!

Let's just say I'm not a fan. Well, I can and will say more. This is a cramped little store with HORRIBLE customer service. I've gone in three or four times when I haven't had the time to make the trip out to Arcadia. Their selection of beads is mediocre, at best. There is no rhyme or reason for how they have set up their selection of beads. The only time I've found anything was when I went for needles and glue. Seriously. If you are a serious beader, stay away. Just an annoying place to walk into, IMO.

Back in the day when I was semi unemployed (those who do freelance will understand) I used to make lots o jewelry to sell to supplement my measly income. This is the place I would shop at when I was just getting started and didn't know that there was a mecca of bead shops in Downtown. That said, if you are a novice jewelry maker this place will have all the items that you will need to make yourself a cute new pair of earrings or necklace or whatever else might suit your fancy without having to buy in bulk. The catch with that is there is a little bit of a markup on individual stones and fittings. The good thing is though if you are just making something for yourself or presents for friends the deal that you are getting is great. I used to get inspiration from alot of high end jewelers and make notes when I shopped at places like Bloomingdales to see what was hot at the moment. Then I would go make something similar for about $10 using the same quality of materials. The girls that work there are pretty helpful in finding you what you need too if you have no idea where to begin. Happy jewelry making!! :)

I can't speak to the negative reviews on here mentioning service...because I personally was happy that I was left alone so I could browse in silence and drool over their expansive collection without being rushed. I did ask for help when I needed to look at something in the case and the employee was perfectly helpful. I am still astonished over the sheer selection of fixings and equipment, so I will definitely be back. Beware of the ruthless parking police who frequent this street- I got a $63 dollar ticket while I was paying for my beads. My meter had just run out so I left the cashier, ran outside to put more money in and explain that this is my car and I'll be leaving as soon as I'm done paying, and he said "too bad, so sad". Ouch.

I have gone here a handful of times, I get the rhinestones to pimp out my phone, ipod, laptop ect from here. Every time I am in here the younger girls seem a little annoyed to be helping me. Like I interrupted a completely juicy gossip sesh or something. I mean I am a pretty quick sell, I already know what I what I just need them to get it from behind the counter. At any rate, the store has a pretty awesome selection, no matter what your task at hand may be. The prices are reasonable and the have all the supplies.

I stopped by today and was totally blown away by the insane collection of charms, findings, crystals, beads, ribbons, chains, wire, etc etc etc. There was no cheesy lame stuff-- the selection was quality and AMAZING. The ladies that worked there were more than helpful yet weren't overly helpful and annoying--which is how i like it! But if i had a question they answered it immediately and gave me some suggestions. I even had my two dogs with me and they were super nice and accommodating. The prices are fair--some stuff a little higher than I've seen. But worth not having to drive downtown. The negative reviews don't seem very fair. I really think people take their PMS out on Yelp-- because this place is a great "finding." Bad joke. Great little store.

Meh, I expected better is right! Great street parking available at 5 PM when I shopped. I greeted & shocked at the lack of artistic feeling in the store: dirty display windows and sills followed by a drab, dull and dismal and uninspiring shop. The sales staff (2 young females) were not interested in me, my shopping needs or made any attempt to engage me in bead talk. The selection was random, no "wow" factor and the layout was difficult to view and non inspiring great bead art. I made a small purchase as I can't get to Arcadia soon to patronize a clean, warm, helpful and artistic bead shop like San Gabriel Bead. This trip to a mediocre to poor shop certainly made me view SG bead in a new and far more appreciative light. If there is a beading option in a 15 mile radius, seek it out rather than patronize this shop.

Lots and lots of charms to choose from, organized by theme to some degree, and the woman who helped us was super nice. Prices aren't as low as downtown or ebay, but we found a lot of good quality charms - better quality than a lot of what we see - and it was worth paying a little more for the quality. Amazing how many different charms they can fit in that store! Can't wait to go back.

- decent selection/variety. - easy street parking (surprise surprise, yes, even on Saturday!) - inattentive staff (wasn't greeted when I walked in, the entire 10 minutes I was browsing, I wasn't asked if I needed help, was looking for anything in particular, etc, and I wasn't noticed when I left either; call me conceited but I would like a little attention if I'm a paying customer.) Sadly, I won't be returning. =[

I love this store! The staff are always accommodating and I especially like Denise, the main staff woman, she always goes out of her way to find me what I'm looking for-- if it's not at their store she will call around to the other stores to find it. I instantly feel welcomed when I walk in the door. The selection of the store is vast; the good stuff is behind the counter, in the case. They have finds from all over the world-- great tribal beads. My small handmade jewelry business, Golden Plume, has flourished from using their findings. The ladies who work there truly like making jewelry, and are always pointing out new projects they are working on; and are eager to share how to create them, which I'm really grateful about-- I actually used a few of their designs and recreated them as gifts, people love them! All in all, Bead Source is a great place to shop. Be nice and the ladies will be nice right back. Commonsense ;)

I just discovered this little gem! It's a great spot for parking on the street (tons of available meters). When I went in with my 4 year old and since I know it's unconventional to have a young child in a store like that, I walked him straight to the back to take a seat to play Angry Birds. The ladies that worked there pointed out that there was a little box of toys and my son was extra happy with that. I then made my way though their entire Swarovski Crystal collection and the woman was very helpful. The place is not fancy, but they have a great selection and good prices. I'm SO HAPPY I don't have to schlep downtown or to Michael's where you get NO customer service. If you want a luxurious shop, go elsewhere. If you want a little gem of a bead store for jewelry making addicts like me, check it out! P.S. They also have a card you can sign up for for only $6 and it gives you 15% off on all purchases. Love that. :)

Not my favorite bead shop. Definitely needs a deep clean. It felt really dusty, and I did not find anything I really liked because the atmosphere was just not the best :/ but got a few things anyway... Only 50% satisfied... Sorry gals.

Great source for beards and earrings and jewelry. Beautiful pearls beautiful everything. I went there to get "parts" for my earrings that were broken. I was in and out in 10 minutes. The staff is attentive and informed!

This place is not as welcoming or attentive as the Silverlake location, but the employees are still nice when you ask them questions and they have good supplies. I go here because I have a membership card which gives me 15% off everything, and also it's close to my work. Their display stands are a little dusty, but not disturbing or anything. Since there aren't that many bead stores in west LA, this would be the place to go if you live in the area.

I had great service by Denise! I had two broken necklaces and she hand fixed it within minutes even though it was challenging! Highly recommend this place!