Wow.... I've been going to Alexanders Bead Bazaar for years and was really surprised at the negative comments. I wish we had an Alexanders on the South End and I really dreamed about the store when I lived back East for 3 years! I could not find any stores with decent prices. Trust me when I tell you that Alexanders is heads above their competition - and not just in the NW. When I lived in Seattle ABB used to be the place I wanted to shop more than any other store, and have recommended it to at least a dozen beaders. Even when I taught classes at a different store. They beat out Bead World which is too expensive and predictable in their bead selections. Glad some of y'all have deeper pockets than I do to shop at BW. If you have a business license you want to get signed up to save moreat ABB where you have to have a minimum sale of $20 to qualify for the discount, which is easy to do. ABB's goal is to find moderate priced items for the Scottish souls, which I admire. Even their rough gem strands for $3 that I put into some of my more eclectic work. They have a lovely selection of $3 pearl strands too. Occasionally markdowns on $1 strands that I scarfed up and wish I'd bought more. And I l-o-v-e the 25 cent charms. Such fun! I over-do those every time. But once I overbought something and they kindly reimbursed me. No hassles, and no telling me it had to be store credit, which would be okay too. (unless the customer was POd) As for staff - I have enjoyed talking to the owners over the years, Sam is passionate about being able to give a good deal for those of us who are thrifty beaders, but they also have the high-end gems on strings that I enjoy just gazing at and dreaming of what I could make. You know that 'zen' state you go into while gazing at beads? And I actually broke down and bought a couple of the pricey ones at different times. They also put half price sales on those unique and expensive beads - so you need to keep an eye out. ABB is certainly more accessible than gem shows all year long - and I need to feel the bead so I get a 'feel' for the texture and colors of my designs - cannot do that with Fire Mountain, which often disappoints me when I receive my orders. Scrawny beads for supposedly cheap prices. (rolling eyes) I go to most of the gem shows around the NW and in Oregon, Texas and Ohio... and still enjoy going back to Alexanders to see what Sam Savar has managed to dig up in his travels. One of the owners is a wonderful beader and teaches classes. Their artwork and fine beading examples are around the store to peruse, and they don't panic that you might want to know how something is done - ergo, 'copy' their beadwork. So check out their website and blog - get on ther mailing list so you know when the sales are coming up. Only staff negative I can think of - sometimes the ABB clerks talk about things that are too personal, and not related to beading, and it is a small store so you can hear everything. Their lack of professionalism disturbed me once or twice, but overall I don't see it as a reflection of the store or the owners. I also had help when I asked for it, and they let me browse - and visualize - to my heart's content from the moment I walk in the door and pick up a basket - showing my ABB shopping savvy. Otherwise they'll ask if you want a basket. The only thing that really bothers me is that they are not open on Mondays. Seems that every time I go visit my family North of Seattle for a weekend and come back by Alexanders they are not open. I even went by bus one day taking an hour trip just to find them closed. Frustrating. I wish they would change that. I was serious when I offered to work there just on Mondays. LOL! Owner suggestions - besides opening on Mondays - please seriously consider moving the cash register about five feet closer to the door so they can see the front door better, and relate to incoming and outgoing clients so the clients feel more connected. Why not have a Suggestion Box so one could make proactive comments privately, or request different items? One could sign up for the mailing list there too. read more

The store offers a unique variety of treasures. Beads, boxes, pendants, and more. We found a great selection of semi-precious beads for $6 a strand. There is higher quality strands behind the counter. We walked out with a heavy bag of beads and charms for around $100. We can't wait to go back. read more

Alexander's Bead Bazaar - Jewelry Near Me - Edmonds, Washington

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This place really bummed me out. It was q quiet, rainy afternoon and I was the only customer in the store. The woman could not be bothered to answer even the most basic of questions and would only suggest "going on line." She vaguely waved me off to fend for myself in a general direction of certain stones I inquired about. She was knowledgeable but came across as rude and imperious. The store could also be a lot cleaner. Replacing the fluorescent lighting would be a big improvement. I did admire the large inventory but the poor customer service and dark, dirty environment was depressing. I wish I had not visited this store. read more

I was on the hunt for a varied selection of freshwater pearls and was pleasantly surprised by the amazing selection of pearls Samual had! I felt like I was at a gem show as there was a HUGE selection of different sizes, colors and textured pearls! Prices were very reasonable and I bought 2 strands each of 20 different colors and have already used many of them for my creations. I've got lots of craft shows this summer so I'll be going back again soon to get more! They also had a lot of natural stone & semi-precious stone strands as well as many interesting charms & carved pendants. Samuel was very pleasant and helpful too. I can't wait to go back! read more

Terrible customer service. I've only been here once and I'm probably not coming back. The signs in the store are mean spirited and off putting. It detracts from the shopping experience to be told NO and DON'T every two steps. The people working here seem mean and not to like their jobs or their customers. This place could be a great place to day dream but instead it feels like you're not welcome. read more

They have a large selection of gemstone beads and pearls. The prices are decent, a couple of bucks cheaper than other retail shops for some strands. They have a $3 sale bin that has some imperfect strands. However, yes, the customer service is "meh". One sales person was very nice, super friendly and the older woman, whom I'm assuming is the owner, had a perma-scowl when I said hello to her. She looked me dead in the eye and just didn't respond. So weird. Overall, I think I'm just going to go back to buying online... read more

Great selection of beads and stones, a nice local bead shop with affordable prices. Only thing is that there was no greeting when I came in, the 3 women working there were just chatting away. When two more people got in the store they were greeted and asked if they needed help, I was still ignored even though I was there first. After a while of me starting at the wall I got approached. I asked for help and the lady was very helpful and friendly. Just though they need to pay a little more attention on their customers even when it's slow. I came in to buy things and did have a question I came in with. Still giving it 4 starts because the selection is great and the store is clean. read more

I found some of the coolest stuff here. I had been many times over the years when they were located on Roosevelt but I was so happy to find them in my local neighborhood. So many treasures. read more

very sorry they've moved out of the Roosevelt Dist. in Seattle--it was so convenient to the UW and many other places we see when visiting from Tacoma. But the stock is great & I still have a large supply to work from. Pearls are especially good! read more

As a former fan and repeat customer of Alexander's, I am so disappointed by my latest trip that I will no longer be shopping here. Like most people who frequent bead shops, I am a jewelry maker. I only use natural stones and metals in my work, and Alexander's is the ONLY store in Seattle which is geared toward stone beads and not glass and plastic beads. They have a great selection, and I have often gotten some really good deals here. I liked being able to see what I was buying, and being able to support a local business, when sourcing the materials for my work. I moved from Seattle this summer, and made Alexander's a MUST VISIT on a recent trip back with my partner before we made a move to the southwest. I found what I was looking for, as well as something I wasn't, and happily left with my purchases. We've been very busy with the move, so it wasn't until today that I was able to sit down and work on any of my projects. I purchased 3 strands of 8mm beads, two of the same type of stone - so they were on the same clip, and the same strand. Unfortunately, I got QUITE a few 6mm beads on the SAME strand as some 8mm beads. I understand that working with natural stones, there will be variations. However, this is a noticeable size difference affecting not one or two, but almost an entire stand of beads. I find this level of inconsistency to be unacceptable, and it makes me distrustful of Alexander's in general, bringing into question what staff has told me about the quality/treatments of other stones I've purchased there. I don't feel confident using their materials in pieces for my customers anymore. We're now 1,800 miles away, but Alexander's doesn't accept returns even if I could go back to the store. I'm disappointed that Seattle doesn't have ANY suitable options for stones at this point. It's extremely disheartening to me, but I can no longer continue to give Alexander's my business, or recommend them to others in the jewelry making community due to their inconsistency and inability to stand behind their products. read more

I've been going to Alexander's since long before Yelp came along. So today after I left the shop I decided to look them up and see what kind of review they get. And I have to say, I'm a little shocked. First of all, I'm not a "beader". I'm a jewelry maker. Does that sound snobby? Maybe, but there's a huge difference. And if you don't know the difference, Alexander's might be disappointing for you. Bead shops sell tons of shiny baubles that you stick on string, tie off, and call jewelry. Alexander's sells a massive selection of precious and semi-precious gemstones. The sort of thing that requires a skill level above tying a knot. And if you should find yourself in over your head with a piece, the employees there will patiently explain how to fix or finish your piece. Today while I was being helped by someone, another sales person was explaining how to string pearls to a guy who looked like he had 2 left hands. And she was doing it nicely and graciously. Drawing pictures for him to take home in case he forgot. And this was for a purchase that probably only totaled $18. I think I've been going there for at least 12 years, and I've never had bad service. I once bought something had buyers remorse when I got home. I decided that it was because the owner had hurried me. But then I realized that I had hurried myself. Today he helped me and we talked about stones for over a half hour, and I didn't end up buying the expensive ones. It's possible that they don't have "kiss your ass the moment you walk in the door" customer service, but I don't really want that. I want to be left alone till I'm ready for help. Maybe that's why I like it. Fake, obsequious customer service grates on my nerves. But I always appreciate good, solid help. And I don't know about the camera's that other people have referred to, but I wouldn't be surprised. Their stones must be worth a small fortune. This place has THE BEST collection of grown up jewelry making supplies. When you're ready to up your game, it's the only place in town worth going to. And if you leave there with your feelings hurt because a total stranger didn't kiss your ass enough, there's a Starbuck's a block away. read more

There's one thing to think about when you go to this store - you get what you paid for. On the pro side, they have a VERY good selection of ethnic beads and centerpieces. They also have quite a bit of leather for stringing and they have a lot of pearls. A LOT of pearls. On the downside, and there are a handful... 1. The expensive stuff is, naturally, behind glass. Which wouldn't be bad if the staff was a little friendlier/more helpful. 2. The "bargain bins"...want to know why they're bargains? Because they're chipped. I picked up a few strands of different stones (agates, mostly) and I'd say about half of 'em were broken. I was careful and looked BEFORE buying and believe me, I chose the better ones. (Sometimes, broken stones are okay. Sometimes they are not. Just remember...again...you get what you paid for.) 3. Did I mention the staff is less-than-friendly? I found ignoring them to be helpful in my shopping trip until I absolutely needed them. To ring me up. I guess my issue is that there are many other bead stores in Western Washington...well, you know...why not go elsewhere? (Also to note: while it's on a bus line, for the bus riders out there, parking is a bit of a pain because it's on the street - so pack some patience with you.) read more

I have really mixed feeling about Alexander's, but I still recommend it! Here's the good: * An amazing selection of gemstone beads there at excellent prices. And not just your everybody-has-them types, like fluorite, rock crystal, and whatever happened to be at the local bead shows last time. There are tables full of varieties I've never even heard of -- and I've been a beadbabe for 15 years! * Really unusual ethnic jewelry, beads, findings, etc. from a variety of cultures made of bone, horn, silver, all kinds of neat stuff. * There are tables and tables full of small packages that would take half a day to go through. The little packages have a million different selections of gemstones, findings, beads, you name it. Prices are excellent, these are closeouts. Here's the bad: * I found the staff entirely unpleasant. I was there for 20 minutes and no one even said a basic 'hello' to me. I really do not find this too much to ask! Even when I asked them questions about certain stones, or for help finding items I was looking for, I never got a smile or anything approaching a helpful attitude. This is not something that makes you want to drop a quick hundred bucks in a retail establishment! * The findings weren't labeled, and I had to ask 3 times before they finally answered me -- 'they aren't sterling'. There were other issues, but just know the important ones: Very good prices on beads and gemstones. Poor prices on findings. Forget getting any help or basic friendly interaction there. p.s. Closed Mondays read more

If I could give zero stars for this place I would. I had been here once before and found the customer service non existent but figured I'd give it another try. We went in today to browse but the energy is so dark and uncomfortable I find very little in there that compels me to buy it. That being said the women in there must have thought we were cheap because they made some snide comment about us picking a stone out of the dollar bin (I wouldn't want to give them any mor than a dollar of my business). Additionally my husband took a picture of a nice array of stones in a bowl and was reprimanded and told no pictures. There is no sign saying no pictures, just another story designed to demean and make customers feel like an intrusive nuisance. It's impossible to put into words the bad juju in this place. The owner has the disposition of a Sith Lord and the woman behind the counter could only be described as vile. Don't go here. If you are spiritual and looking for incense or Buddhas or om signs- go to East West up the street. If you want beads go to Fusion. These people don't deserve your business. read more

As my friend and i were oohing and ahhing over the awesome selection of natural stones and crystals available for purchase today, one of the store staff came over and stared us down, and then loudly told us that we shouldn't feel awkward with her standing right there, because she works there and can stand anywhere she wants (plus, she owns the store). my friend said, "i don't feel awkward," and laughed. i told her that i thought her store was very lovely. then from where she stood, she instructed the other employee present to "roll the tapes back about five minutes." was she trying to scare us because she thought we were shoplifting? my friend and i are not middle-aged white women, but we did drive all the way from south of seattle to purchase things from the bead bazaar. i did not feel welcome, and as i was checking out with my items i thought maybe i shouldn't buy from here any more. i don't want to be treated in a negative manner for something i would never do. i am a practicing reiki healer and i just wanted to buy crystals to make into healing necklaces for my friends. i'm certainly going to be clearing the negative vibes from the stones i bought today. reading the other reviews helps me feel better-- at least they treat everyone the same way at this bead shop: poorly, as if all customers are shoplifters, and like they would rather not have to deal with the customers' presence at all. let's help them out, no customers means no stress for them about shoplifting. i'm willing to pay twice as much as i did today for at least some decent humane interaction. read more

This is a very unique bead store, and won't carry a lot of the popular and typical bead fodder you might be seeking. PARKING: It is all street parking, so you may have to circle a bit. Bring change for the meter! If there isn't parking right in front, you can usually take the first right and find some nearby on the side streets (for free). SELECTION: Like I said before, it is a unique selection. They carry a lot of natural materials; bone, horn, stones, wood, etceteras. The selection of stone is quite nice, and their prices are some of the lowest I've ever seen in a bead store. You can get 16" strands of jade for $8! They have a generous amount of imported and ethnic items. There is a small selection of glass along the back wall, but it all comes prepackaged in set quantities. There is also a small selection of crystal, as well as metal. They have some unique metal findings, and I go here for stuff I don't find easily elsewhere - particularly 24g copper headpins as well as other copper findings. They don't have much in the way of tables featuring individual beads. They also offer a few tables of prepackaged "discount" beads which can yield some interesting finds. I, however, find flipping through the packages a little tiring after awhile. STAFF & HELPFULNESS: The employees are kind and eager to help. I am always greeted when I enter, and offered assistance in finding anything. If I don't see something I want, they've sometime shad it in the back. BOTTOM LINE: Great place to go for natural materials, or unique, ethnic pieces. Definitely worth checking out. read more

While I buy most of my beading supplies from catalogs, Alexander's has treasures most other places don't have. I never escape without buying way more than I came in for. Full stock of beads and findings plus lots of antique, ethnic, tribal and hard to find stuff. I have some beautiful antique blue glass leaf beads I haven't found anywhere else. Staff is helpful, but even more friendly if they know you make jewelry. Ask about the cut and uncut stones under the counter glass. read more

They do have a great selection, some unusual and hard to find pieces. The quality can be great or mediocre, often the 'bargain' prices are not a good deal for the quality of product. However, his finer selection is really top notch and includes a beautiful selection of beads gathered from around the world. The man who runs this shop is accommodating. He is attentive to the needs of his customers and has a lot of energy. He is welcoming and intense. I have found his wife to be quite rude, as well as a few of his other employees. I find them to be impatient and unhelpful, making it seem as if you are inconveniencing them by asking questions. The problem with that is that a lot of their selection is kept behind the counter, so you need to wait for someone to wait on you before you can access the beads. I feel like his staff could do more to be a little more personable and pleasant. It feels a bit like an unfriendly atmosphere. read more

My initial visit to Alexander's Bead Bazaar was delightful. I enjoyed talking with the owner and the young woman working there. Both were engaging and helpful and, as a supporter of local busnesses, I looked forward to establishing an on-going relationship with his place of business and was especially interested in purchasing one of the beautiful crystals he had for sale. I purchased a strand of rose quartz beads along with some other items. I spent a total of $29 and while that's not a lot of money, it is if what was purchased ends up not working for the project at hand. It never ocurred to me that I wouldn't be able to exchange the strand of beads and I was prepared to purchase even more items. Was I ever mistaken! This time I was met with horrid customer service from the other owner who actually whined about how incovenient it would be for her to take returns. She launched into a litany of complaints and was the most offensive sales person I have ever encountered and I have done a lot of shopping over the years. I will never, ever return to this place of business and will suggest others do the same. I only wish I could issue a 'minus-star'. read more

I went into Alexander's for the first time a few months ago after reading the reviews here, expecting to be intimidated by rude staff. Instead, I found the best bead shop in Seattle for my needs and excellent service to boot. I don't spend a lot of time looking through the tables of beads. I'm sure there are some deals to be found in the endless boxes of clearance merchandise, but I don't have the time or desire to go through them all. Ditto the boxes of strands that are out, which I usually scan pretty quickly but have yet to purchase from. No, when I go bead shopping, I'm looking for the stuff they keep behind and below the counter. I can get medium quality strands of beads anywhere, but no one beats Alexander's selection of high-end beads. It's a real exercise in restraint to walk out with less than $3-400 worth of beads at a time. I do wish I could paw through them all without having to trouble the staff to pull out the strands I want to look at, but they are patient and don't even seem bothered when they get out ten or more things only to have me decide none of them are what I need. The women working in the store are genuinely excited about what they sell and always cheerful. They just love the stones, baby, and if you do too, they will talk and show you things for as long as you want. Although I like a more hands-on approach to perusing beads, I can also understand why they have tighter security than a lot of places -- the place is huge and the staff just can't be everywhere at once watching people comb through hundreds of thousands of dollars of merchandise. Sam, the owner, is a bit less cheerful and smiley, but he's not rude; that just seems to be his nature. He has offered me some great deals -- don't be afraid to ask what he can do on a higher priced strand. He might not be able to drop the price, but he doesn't mind being asked, especially if you are buying several other items already. He is the buyer for the store and brings back some amazing finds; he also has stones custom-cut for him, which means you can find things here that are out of the ordinary. That's a big plus for me. I've spent a lot of time (and money!) here, and have not only experienced good service myself but have observed the staff helping other customers. Many times someone will wander in, just looking to replace a cheap clasp on a necklace, or needing a suggestion for how to do something. The staff seem to give these folks the same friendly attention I get, even though they are spending a whole heck of a lot less than I am. I've seen clueless people get quick instructions or even seen staff do a minor repair for no charge. I've purchased a few findings and some chain here, and their selection on these is good as well. Overall, this has to be one of the best bead shops I've been to (and I've been to a lot of shops in a lot of different cities) and I highly recommend them. read more

Good selection of beads, but I unfortunately must agree with many reviewers that the customer service is lacking. I was the only person in the store and felt that I was totally inconveniencing the store associate when asking her if I could see something in the case. read more

Funny what mixed reviews this place has. I founds Alexander's to be a Godsend. Literally. I looked for days and days for guru beads to make malas. Fusion bead staff was actually rude to me. I spent TONS of money at 6 stores. No guru beads. I walked into Alexanders, both owners were gracious and nice and not only directed me to several beautiful stone guru beads, but when I went back - the owner drilled the holes in each one bigger (at no cost) so I would have an easier time making my mala. I will never shop elsewhere for my guru beads or other beads to make malas. These people were awesome. read more

Well, I have mixed feelings about this place. I mostly just want them to have more stuff I think. They do have a great selection of colored pearls and semi-precious stone beads. Service is mixed. I guess I want more hi how are ya's than I get here but once I go up the counter they are pretty nice and I had a great conversation about music with them the last time I was there. But, they were out of something I needed desperately and that was a big bummer for me. Still, it is a good place to check out and more than certainly you'll find something to bring home. read more

The front of the store has 2-3 long tables filled with 'deals' they're trying to get rid of, divided by color (as of 1/09). I found some pretty briolettes and cute metal owls, but be prepared to spend some time digging through relatively unsorted piles. I had best luck here versus the rest of the store. The main focus of the store was strands of stones, pearls, etc. When I went they were selling (small freshwater) pearl strands of all colors for $3 or $4. They also have undrilled gemstones. On the walls there are findings, more strands, some reasonably priced bead strands, chain (didn't look at the selection as it was behind the counter) and at the back of the store were tribal/ethnic things. I'm a cheapskate so I don't usually get strands of stones and can't speak to the price. I was worried about service after reading everyone's reviews but had no problem getting someone to pull strands for me/ring me up. read more

I read several of the heated and emotional reviews. I have only been there twice, but I have this to say... The very first time I went in, they were incredibly helpful, and answered all questions about prices, details about the stones and pearls - answered my questions and much more. The second time, they were a little less helpful (no more busy) but that was fine - I knew what I was looking for. With that said, I am a pretty low maintenance person. I can get a bit excited when I see stuff I like, which was certainly the case the first time I was there, and they seemed to pleasantly respond to that. The second time, I was more "business" and they seemed to respond to that appropriately as well - leaving me to my own. I really dislike being bothered by pushy sales people, and usually don't pay much attention to them. I suppose if I kept looking back at them, I might look like I was trying to shoplift... Although I agree that there is a certain protocol for sales people, they are also just people, and can easily pick up on negative or weird energy. I suppose they get a TON of shoplifting there in the U-Dist. So, if you are worried about being treated like a princess (no offense - some people like this, and I get it) then I would say either go somewhere else and pay more (and get a smaller selection) or, as my sister would say, "put your balls on" and go for the gusto. Personally, I am up for the challenge of getting a great deal and being mesmerized by all the great prices and wonderful jewels. One possible negative - I am looking into their statement that none of their pearls are "treated" - they said they are not dyed. I was told that the colors were all created while the pearls are growing - with water temp, additives (not dyes) and the type of mollusk. From what I understand, this cannot be true, as the industry is only starting to work on this type of a thing, and the variances and intensity of colors found in the pearls at Alexander's is not possible.... Even so, they are beautiful, and there is good luster and a massive and lovely selection of color, size, texture, luster, price, etc. And yes, if they like you, they will give you a deal - even when you don't ask for it. If you buy multiples of anything, they will most likely give you an automatic discount (beyond their already great prices), unless, I believe, they think you are a Prima donna and you give them a spoonful of pissy attitude. (No judgment, here of course.) So... put your shopping balls on ladies, and get the good jewels. ;) read more

I don't get the reviews about the bad customer service. I've been in there twice and have only had a great time conversing with both owners and their employee. I think they even specifically bought a large stock of a particular bead for me because I emailed inquiring about them with no guarantees that I would even be coming back to buy them. I showed up a week after they told me they had ruby beads and the day previously the owner just returned with hundreds of strands in 3 different colors of ruby beads. He proceeded to give us a demo on certain gemstones and brought out massive chunks of emerald and illuminated it in a lesson on gemstones. To the lady with the 4 year old in a bead store, no one wants to see a child choking because he woke up from a deep slumber and thought he was in a candy store. read more

I LOVE ALEXANDER'S!!!! Amazing selection of semi-precious, glass, metal, and fine, tasty, expensive stuffs too! Not only beads and beading supplies, they also sell trinkets from all over the world. It's like a crazy little museum in here where you can buy stuff. Check it out! read more

I am extremely reluctant about giving bad reviews but the staff at this place deserve every bit of it. I wish there was the option of zero stars then i would have given it delightedly. I have never ever been treated this way in any store in my whole entire life. This place is ridiculous when it comes to treating customers. Please don't expect any smiles when you go in because to them you are annoying customer who shouldn't be here, at least that was the vibe i got from the owner of the store. He is extremely rude and even though the store has a great selection of beads, i will never ever go there again. Really bad customer service. I went there with my husband, a friend and my four year old who happened to be napping in the stroller. Oh no stroller in the store!! The look i got from the staff made me so uncomfortable that i just wanted to buy my incests and just get out. My son happened to wake up and touch one of the beads in a drawer and the owner literally flipped! He came rushing from the back store and gave us the most obnoxious look ever and told us no touching or something that i didn't hear. Please dear sir you are selling beads that are going to be touched every now and then and if a 4 year old touched them you don't have to flip. They are gemstones and as i recall it's extremely hard to break them especially by a 4 year old. You have to take some courses in customer service because dear sir the way we were treated was not acceptable on a human level or animal level for that matter. Thanks for incests that i bought, unfortunately every time i light them to meditate i remember this visit to your store. read more

Great store with very friendly staff. The owners are super sweet and very knowledgeable. They should offer bead classes (hint) :-)

Nothing beats the feel of smooth, cool beads running through your fingers. It can be a very sensual experience. Alexander's has some great sales and semi-precious stones can be very affordable at these times. They also sell some of the collectibles that adorn the windows. Just walking into this store will have you wanting to learn the art of beading. read more

This place is owned by witches. The moment we walked in we felt their evil eyes on the back of our heads. They spoke VERY loudly about how they want to close early so they can make it to the pet store to buy cat food. They made passive aggressive comments the entire time about how we, their patrons who were having a blast searching for the perfect beads for our really cute necklaces, were ruining their lives. Every time we looked to them to help us, they were were caught rolling their eyes and whispering about us. As we were laughing with joy, one of the witches audibly sighed "this is painful". When we asked to see some beads behind the counter, one of them refused to get off her fat ass to assist and instead insinuated that we could not afford it. We are well dressed, professional women, so I do not understand what that was all about. I wanted to throw my beads on the floor and walk right out the door! However, we are adults and really wanted to make pretty things today. They made us feel so bad each of us even apologized as we were wrapping up. Your store is open until 5:00, it is currently 4:30. Deal with it! The jewelry we are making will forever be tainted :( read more

This is an...interesting place... For, at the time, our upcoming nuptials, I have a very clear image of the necklace I wanted to wear on our big day. Unfortunately, this was not something I could easily find in the shape, color and length I had wanted. So, being a crafty(ish) person that I am, I decided I would make my wedding necklace. Now all I had to do was find the supplies. As the particular stone I had wanted was not something you come across in every bead store, I had called in prior to visiting to verify they had what I was looking for. To my sweet surprise, I was told they carried this stone (chrysoprase) in many shapes and sizes! I had been to & called quite a few bead stores at this point and was thrilled to finally go pick out my perfect stone. This ended up being easier said than done... First: We walked in, and no one greeted us. A simple "hi, hello, welcome" would have been nice. Second: We had walked around for at least five minutes before someone offered to help us. Now, to be clear, we came in ONLY for this stone. We really looked like we were looking for something, not simply browsing. Third: Once we were helped, we were shown the stone only on a strand and was told that that was all they offered. One size, one shape, one option. Not what the lady on the phone had told me. Seeing as I only needed one stone, I couldn't imagine paying 10x the amount. I kindly handed the strand back to the gentleman and said I would keep looking. HOWEVER, being the meticulous man that my then fiance was, he spotted several single stones that looked like chrysoprase and asked what they were. They were exactly what I was looking for! In different sizes and for a fraction of the cost of a strand! We continued to browse the counter and found even more for me to choose from. In the end, I left with what I came for. I had to deduct two starts for the lack of customer service...the guy didn't even ask what I was making. I don't think I've ever been in a bead store where they don't ask...Yes, they do carry items that can be harder to find which does make them more desirable. However, due to the lack of customer service I don't think I'll be back. read more

11:40 am on Thursday 11-1-18 and the shop is shut up tight as a drum, contrary to hours posted on door and website. AND I had to pay for parking! read more

Good prices. Place could be cleaner. Interior could use an update. Female staff very friendly and helpful with lots of information. Would come back and shop. Surrounding area was dirty. read more

Alexanders Bead Bazaar has the best selection in town hands down. That being said, this is a store that is great if you know what you are doing. I like coming here because I am left to look at leisure and I usually have zero questions. The staff and owners have always been nice to me, but I think if you want to be coddled this probably isn't the best store for you. Most extensive and unusual, quality selection in Seattle. read more

When I feel like something very special, I go to Alexander's Bead Bazaar! I have always been treated with the utmost of respect by all of the staff and I enjoy everyone who works there. I do not understand the negative reviews being posted because I shop here regularly and I get along very well with the owners and have found them to be very friendly and helpful. The first time I came into the store, I knew nothing about beading, except that I wanted to learn. The owner's daughter actually showed me how to get started and she was so helpful to me. Every time I come into the store, I am greeted with a big smile and a big hello from someone behind the counter. I always feel welcome at Alexander's and I'll always give them my business. I highly recommend this fabulous bead store. The gemstones are incredible and beyond unique. The wholesale bead shows do not compare to what you can find here at Alexander's. The cuts and colors of the stones that are on display here are so special. If you are looking for seed beads, go to Fusion or Beads & Beyond. But if you want gemstones or 24K, this is the store for you! read more

Great selection of hard to find, unique & vintage/antique items. I see yelpers are turned off by the watchfulness of the shop keepers... But if I travelled the globe & spend lots of money on high valued items I would be touchy too! I have had both dismissive and extra detailed- to-my-needs service. My only beef with this place is that I can't leave w/o spending $200 or more on the amazing items they carry! I see yelpers like bead world more, I love them and their excellent service too... But they don't have everything! read more

They have much better selection of beads here than WorldBeads in capitol hill. Prices are not steals. Staff is pretty inconsistent and not super supportive to newbies. I had to ask about what would be the best material to string a set of beads and the staff person threw some technical words at me. Seemed a bit frustrated that I was unfamiliar with different kinds of materials, even though I told her beforehand I was unfamiliar. Hearing one of the staffwomen say to co-workers: "God I hate lapis! Its the ugliest!" is definitely not what one wants to hear when you're touching a hank of pretty blue beads. . . read more

I am a certified bead-aholic and I must say that I truly found my fix at Alexanders. Unlike some of the other reviews that I've read here the staff is wonderful and helpful every time that I shop there which is quite often, but I once worked in retail and am conscious to the fact that some customers can be challenging. Now, the most important thing in Alexanders are the gems, I am always overwhelmed with choices of new cuts and really great prices on many of the briolettes. Many I have found for less than wholesale and the sterling findings are quite tempting. Also their selection of ethnic beads is quite impressive which makes it all the more exciting and also dangerous to shop there. As for parking, I usually park around the corner at US Bank or on the street near the bank because it isn't meter parking. So overall I must say that I highly recommend Alexanders for those of you who are addicted like me and enjoy finding unusual beads and gems as the generic stuff no longer holds my attention. Happy Beading, Jenifer read more

This store has the best selection of gemstones in Seattle but the owner is an ass to put it nicely. He's really rude and condescending. I hate going here but since there is no other place in Seattle for gemstones sometimes I have to. I recommend ordering elsewhere online if you can and using this place as a last resort. The other staff is ok but nothing to write home about. I don't find them helpful however and you really do feel like the only thing they do is watch for stealing and not helping their customers. The owner can be knowledgable if he feels generous that day but other days it's like he decides you're not worth it and will completely ignore or even better insult you. Maybe he's bipolar, who knows. Not a pleasant experience at all and I avoid this place at all costs. read more