Nice personnel, nice selection of beads, even though what I was looking for, by chance, was not available.

The owner was very kind and helped me out with my selection. He also offered help in new instructions of how to make bead necklaces very helpful read more

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. read more

Tremendous selection of quality materials to work with. Customer service is excellent! Denise was so very helpful.

Absolutely the best quality beads & stones in the area. Friendly approachable, knowledgeable, sales ladies so willing to help you create imagine things put things together. They're just really all around the best. I highly recommend the speed store. read more

Not at all family friendly. You'd think being in a very family orientated part of the city they would consider kids, but instead this is like a library for beads where you basically need a MFA to enter. read more

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. read more

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 read more

Bead Source - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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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! read more

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! read more

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. read more

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! read more

Bead Source - My gold plated beads.... - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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!! read more

Bead Source - Anklet I made with beads from the source, bead source ;) 3 - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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. read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

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 . read more

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.. read more

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. read more

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

Bead Source - Brad Source strung my beads and charm. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

Bead Source - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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

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) read more

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. read more

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.

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. read more

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!! :) read more

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. read more

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. read more

I absolutely love the bead source!! They are ALWAYS ALWAYS so very friendly and helpful!! Denise and Lise are my two absolute favorite employees here!! They treat me like a queen! No matter how busy they are they are ALWAYS so patient, thorough and help each and every customer with kindness and patients!! The prices are reasonable especially for the quality of their supplies read more

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more