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 really don't know what to say about Alexander's Bead Bazaar, other than the truth. The staff working on the day I visited with my Girlfriend from out of state, were RUDE and I nearly knocked one lady in the mouth for touching my daughter. This was my first and LAST trip EVER into this store. We were out and about in the neighborhood and decided to stop into Alexanders to see what they had to offer, as I was told about how wonderful the shop was. Boy was that trip a mistake. While we were looking through the racks of beads, and displays of discounted merchandise, my daughter was sitting on the floor at my feet and reached out to touch a price tag on a rolled up carpet/tapestry on the bottom shelf of a display table. Mind you, my daughter is 7 years old and very well mannered. All she did was touch the tag. Before I could say a word to her, one of the ladies came over and SMACKED her hand away from the tag and told her to stop trying to pull the tag off the item, as she needed it to stay on the item so she could sell it. I nearly punched the woman in the mouth for daring to smack my child's hand. While my friend was paying for the items that she bought, she paid with an old $100 dollar bill. The girl at the counter kept looking at the bill like it was made of Monopoly money or something, she hmmmed and hawed over the bill, held it up to the light, to the window, and even used the money marker on it. When the marker DID NOT prove the bill was a counterfeit, she still waited a minute or two before accepting it and giving my friend her change. SERIOUSLY, no one in their right mind would want to shoplift from such a stuffy, snooty booty, uptight place as this. People, please, go a little farther up the street to BeadWorld, they are friendly, the shop atmosphere is wonderful and they LIKE KIDS! Alexanders HATES children. Save yourself from the frustration and attitude that these biddys give off. RUN FAR AWAY FROM HERE. read more

Everyone has their opinion, here's mine. I'm an avid beader. I've shopped on line, at shows, at other bead shops. Then I found Alexander's. That was it for me. I'm sold. The selection is incredible. I love to buy unusual or hard-to-find gemstones as well as tribal beads. Alexander's has it. That, and so much more. Their sale table is amazing! Want a colored pearl? They have them in colors you didn't think of. The owners travel all over the world to bring back amazing gem stones. I have learned (and bought) so many that I would have never heard of. Then there is Debbie, co-owner. She will take the time to explain things -- like a reverse knotting technique that I didn't know of. Michelle and Jenny always have a welcome smile and are talented beaders in their own right. They are willing to answer questions and help anyone. Andrea, part of the family owned business, is super-talented and very willing to share her knowledge. She taught me (in five minutes) how to knot pearls when I wanted to make a gift for my mother and didn't know how to do it. I was a novice beader at that time. Just today she taught me another way of doing something that was more efficient than my way. I've been shopping there for years now, and will for years to come. I love the gems and the people. read more

I only gave a star because you cannot give NO STARS! Honestly, I've decided the positive reviews written with 4 or 5 stars are either written by the owner/staff or their friends, because no one in their right mind could have a good shopping/buying experience there. I really don't know why they just don't close the business! They have no positive feelings for customers and no desire to help or answer questions. They only want to assume that you are a criminal (displayed by their leering expressions and the negative signage everywhere in the store) who is going to rip them off. I've been to the store a couple of times but it has been 10 years and the last time I went I swore I would never darken their already dark door, again! And I haven't. I've spent a lot of money buying from other wonderful bead stores where I, not only get fabulous service, but also a friendly greeting and answers to all my questions....as well as help with projects. THAT'S was good customer service is and why people that can't or won't give that kind of service, just shouldn't be in retail. I just happened to see Alexander's on Yelp and decided to read the reviews and found that most people felt as I do about them. In my mind, they just don't exist! read more

The moment I walked in I noticed the amazing choice in music. It was relaxing and created a perfect environment for exploring the store. The two young women, a blonde and brunette, were so genuine in their happiness to help me. Their beautiful smiles were very welcoming and their auras were so pleasant and pure. They helped me in a non-clingy or "salesperson" type of way. I felt like an old friend of theirs. After just browsing I started to ask questions and they answered them politely and adequately. They were well informed. The best part was that they specialized in gemstones. They had the largest and highest quality collection of gemstones that I have seen, which both the blonde and brunette knew every answer to my questions that I had about them. The other amazing part was that the girls there were kind enough to show me how to make an outstanding, gorgeous pair of earrings and a matching necklace. All in all, it was an amazing experience and it is now my favorite bead store. I recommend everyone, from jewelry making newbies to experienced pros, to go to this shop for all of your beading needs! read more

I'm a long-time U-district resident now living in Europe. I still shop at Alexander's every time I'm in town. I've been to every bead shop in the Seattle area & Alexander's has the best selection, quality and prices. I prefer to purchase higher quality gems for my projects. No other Seattle bead shop carries as wide of a selection of nice gems. Don't listen to a single disgruntled shopper! I've shopped at Alexander's for years and they've always been quite kind and helpful! I have received countless on-site lessons -Sam & Debbie & Andrea have started me on many pieces -and on several occasions have even done an entire piece for me! I don't bother to shop anywhere except Alexander's -there's no need. -I didn't review the price range because the range extends from stuff I buy for my children to make -to things I make for myself and for gifts . . . you can spend a very small amount -or quite a lot -depending on what you want to buy. Their prices are quite good. Catherine read more

THE "NOT FEEL GOOD" BEAD STORE! If you want to feel good about dropping at least $100, DO NOT SHOP FOR YOUR BEADS HERE! And ABSOLUTELY DO NOT question your receipt with the so-proclaimed store owner "D.....", who is SHOCKINGLY CONDESCENDING when asked about the receipt! To be nastily spoken to as you are asking about totals on a receipt by a store owner is totally UNACCEPTABLE in a retail environment, especially when one has just spent $100+. This kind of "NASTY" does not sit well when one must consider carefully what and where to spend precious dollars on beading materials! I left feeling absolutely "SICK TO MY STOMACH" that I had just left $100 of my HARD EARNED MONEY with this store owner! There are other bead stores in the Seattle area that OUTSHINE THIS ONE, TAKE A LOOK! read more

I'd have to say that my experience with Alexander's has been great. They are a great shop for gems and bead supplies. Their prices are great and if they don't have something, they are quick to offer alternatives. I have always observed their staff to be very knowledgeable and they will spend time working working with you. They have even taken the time to show me beading techniques. I have not had that experience at any other bead shop. Their selection is quite large and I have spent many hours browsing their inventory. They often get new inventory, so you're not always looking at the same inventory every time you go in. I would highly recommend Alexander's! read more

Funny how we humans see things so differently. My first dealings with Alexander's were before I became a beader and I was drawn to their incredible collection of "antique", "tribal" beads, for me breathtaking. I was generously shown many pieces, many for sale, but many just beautiful art pieces that were shared with me. Then came my beading conversion. After that and now with the owners' daughter's very kind and generous help, I'm really into gemstones and Alexander's has a terrific variety and brings in "jewels" I've never seen in other places, not shows and not shops. Thank goodness we have this destination in Seattle!!! read more

The best selection of beads in town. They don't have a few of the strings and threads that i was looking for, which I got at Michaels. However, the staffs that I met last night were very helpful, and they showed me how to use some of the "tools", as I am a novice in bead-making, although I sell a quite a few beads products at my store at the Laughing Buddha at University District. I was amazed to see some of their other collections of unique jewelries from the South East Asian region, such as antique ivory earrings and traditional silver necklaces. Will certainly visit more and often to get all my beads needs for my store. read more

I visited Alexander's bead Bazaar for the first time a few weeks back. I was very impressed with Sam's knowledge and his willingness to share it with me. I walked in asking to learn more about his business, as I was doing research for a client of mine and he granted me an informational interview on the spot! When we were finished talking I took a tour of the store. The variety of beads was great. They have very unique and beautiful styles. I would highly recommend this local bead store over any other! Thank you for your help and your time; it is greatly appreciated. read more

i have been going to this store since it was in a tiny little place on a side street around the corner from it's current location. sam and debbie, the owners are two of the sweetest, kindest,and most helpfull people i have ever met! their merchendise is unique and beautiful. they do have wonderful prices. the store is very large, and usually full of people, i have never had a problem waiting my turn, but obiviosly some people do.i've seen it for myself many, many, times. sam and debbie are a real class act! too bad some of their costomers are not. read more

This shop has a pretty good selection of beads that you can't find just anywhere. That said, the person I believe to be the owner was so rude and the customer service so terrible, I don't think I could ever go back. After the first experience I had, I thought I would give this shop a second try incase someone was just having a bad day, but I can now guarantee there will not be a third. read more

I see now by reading the other reviews that I am not the first potential customer to be avidly deterred by the atrocious festering negativity that is the customer service rep here. Yuck. Not worth the electricity needed to light this one star that she couldn't deserve less. Never again. read more

Extremely average bead selection, and the people who work there are the most rude, inconsiderate, awful retailers I have ever had to deal with. I spend a lot of money on these kinds of things, but I won't be spending it there. Jerks. read more

a little pricey, but they also have some things you won't find anywhere else in seattle - so, it evens out. i always find something great, i love the little sale area and they have an amazing selection of rare/vintage jewelry pieces! read more

There is really nothing else like this amazing family owned store. So many stones to pick from, so much magic and dedication. I buy all of my stones here for my jewelry design business. A true Seattle gem! read more

Customer service ...there us none. Don't go here...head north to BeadWorld..

wonderful selection, great prices and FRIENDLY people, I'll be back.