Greetings! What do you know about the local legends in the Northwest Suburbs.? Today's installment features Bead World, an absolute gem and what I truly love about local small business owners. I first learned about Bead World when our daughter got her ears pierced for the first time. Bobby was everything this over protective father needed to allay any first piercing jitters that I had... Our daughter had her second piercings done at Bead World and suffice to say that Bobby is a consummate professional in the world of piercing. He explained the entire process, focused on sterilization techniques, and put our minds at ease in every way possible. He is truly gifted for this role. The shop is spotless and the piercing process took place with precision. Aside from the piercing aspect of Bead World, the namesake hobby of beading is well represented as far as this beading noob can discern. Theres something for everyone at Bead World...so you'll never know what you'll find. Last time I was there I bought a spectacular totem pole! Hats off to this family-run neighborhood gem! Until next time...tk read more

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Sweetest family owned small business around for 30+ years! Bobby did a great job with our 6yo's ear piercing. Very thorough after care instructions. Felt great comfort coming here knowing their focused expertise and experience!! read more

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Do not get ANYTHING pierced here!! I just recently found out they are not licensed to do piercings!! I got my septum piercing in 2017 and the owner pierced through the cartilage of my nose! No wonder it took so long to fully heal... not only that, but the owner is super rude. Right before we started the procedure he was making small talk asking me about my job and what I did for work. P.s: I work in retail. He said something along the lines of "do you think this will be appropriate for your workplace?" Because he apparently didn't think so. If I didn't think it were appropriate and would get fired for having a piercing like this.. I think I would know. I did the research on the policies of my workplace and it wasn't an issue... I've visited recently to buy more jewelry from them and he's still super rude. Don't support this business, I'd suggest going to a tattoo shop that has a piercing that is ACTUALLY licensed to pierce someone and are educated on the anatomy so this doesn't happen to you! read more

Bead World - Imporoper done septum piercing - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

These reviews are so surprising to me! I have had several piercings done here and the owner and his daughter are lovely people. The owner is personable and wonderful to talk with. The process is very straightforward and he takes a lot of time explaining anatomy and what piercings would suit you best. Honesty is always the best policy as it can prevent future issues down the road--even when suggesting against a piercing can cost them a profit. This shows me they truly care about their work and want their customers to love their piercings. I've had piercings that rejected when I went to other places but have always had great success with my piercings here. The prices are incredibly affordable with a wide selection of jewelry and they do not try to hassle you to buy expensive cleaning products like other shops may do. Anyone I've sent here has been very happy with the results! read more

Bead World - Piercings done at this shop (not first lobe piercing). I've also had my nose pierced as well and it's lasted me eight years! - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

This place usually has every piercing jewelry piece that I need. They also have authentic jewelry from around the world. The only thing is that they don't sell piercing supplies. read more

Came here the other day with a friend of mine to get our inner ear pierced. We met with the owner? He is a former tattoo artist. The dad I believe. Had a great time talking to him and his daughter. Maybe she's the owner? They went through the process, make sure we saw the sterilize needles and gave us follow up directions. Would highly recommend for a piercing. Also they have quite an extensive inventory of beads. Which I guess makes sense because of the name! read more

Bead World - Outside - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Will never come back here. I got my ears pierced here and the owner was so incredibly rude. I felt like I was being talked to like I was an idiot, like I didn't already have 7 other piercings I'd cared for. The quiz before getting my piercings I get, but the condescending tone and questions were uncalled for. He made me read to him the disclaimers and the wording on the packing of the material being used and wouldn't continue with the piercing until I did. Then when it got the part where I read "sterile" he asked me if I knew what sterile meant. I responded "of course I know what sterile means, I'm a nurse". He then responded, "I didn't ask you that". It was my birthday and I just wanted to do something nice for myself and he made it into a shitty experience. read more

What an awesome place, Phil is so professional and nice, he helps me with all my watches, he knows what he's doing and I trust him every time, (even with stuff I didn't get from here ) I've purchased 2 watches, did my helix piercing , and purchased a ring, all very good quality materials and name brands -- About 6months ago I walked in wanting my helix pierced I was nervous, but Bob made me comfortable because he's a perfectionist in these things, I love my earrings, I love the way it looks, I was referred to them by a very good tattoo artist in the north shore area. He sent me to bead world because he doesn't do piercings, and he only will recommend the best . No one is walking in here without wanting only the best proper way of piercings done, never with a gun, only with the needle . I didn't feel much pain. I'm really happy and satisfied I found this place . read more

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We went here for my daughters first ear piercing. The piercer was professional explained all the steps and care for home. He made sure to make my daughter feel like the client and went at her pace. We are very happy and would return. They use disposable sterilized needles and have options for earrings. read more

Bead World - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Got my septum done here. Staff is friendly...it's a husband and wife. Husband learned how to pierce early on in life and just kept doing it. He can pierce but I don't believe he has any formal training. He used clamps and just shoved it thru with a piercing needle. He has jewelry but not many options. My piercing was too close to the cartilage - bad placement. Had to take out and let it heal. He is a great and funny guy but I wouldn't recommend his piercing as he isn't a professional just has experience but not experience doing it the right way. read more

The best experience for my 6 year old's earlobe piercing! They were kind and patient and really made her feel comfortable (she was a bit anxious). We will refer all of our friends here! Thank you! read more

I love wandering around this shop to see their unusual finds. I'm an amateur jewelry maker and love finding things to design with. CAUTION: I would proceed with GREAT CAUTION. I brought in silver to sell the gentleman there tooled the silver he wanted. I also asked to have some work done thar I could NOT do myself. When I went to pick up the completed work I was handed the items and charged. I asked where the credit for the silver was on the bill he claimed it was applied to the bill. I should have made them weigh the silver in front of me like jewelry stores in front of me. BIG MISTAKE!! Second instance I took in a beautiful garnet necklace with a braided chain. I asked the young woman at the counter to remove the tube holding the garnet pendant and exchange it fo a smaller item. When I went to pick up the necklace the braided 24k gold chain and the tube were gone replaced by a cheap chain and the tube holding up the garnet were NOT compensated or returned to me. But their Nicky knacks DO NOT trust selling precious metal items in their hands. Dawn read more

Recently got my 3rd piercing here. I got my tragus done in 2013, rook in 2019 and just got my cartilage pierced. All were phenomenal experiences. If you follow the instructions they give you, the healing process should go smoothly. Everything is clean and good quality. The piercer will talk you through everything from the quality of jewelry and needle beforehand up through the piercing is complete. I don't think I've ever been in there for more than 20min (not bc I'm being rushed but because it's good service.) I recommend this place to everyone. read more

Horrible experience for my 8 year old. I was told This place was the best after our bad experience at Claire's where she was pierced but the gun got stuck In Her ear. After that experience I wanted her to have a smooth one since she finally decided to go back and try again 5 years later. Drove all the way to Palatine and The older man with the thick accent scared her and told me I can't be in the room. As if I'd leave my 8 year old with a stranger in a room. He turned her off and she started crying. He was basically yelling at her "YOU WANT PIERCING OR NOT" and she was hysterical and shook her head no and he told her to get out of the chair. Thanks for traumatizing my child a second time! The guy should retire or let the girls working do the piercing, or atleast someone who is more gentle and excited with the little girl, not treating her as an inconvenience. OR just say no when someone calls and asks if you pierce little girls ears. read more

If you want someone to hold your hand, baby you or comfort you duing piercing this place is not for you. Bobby is very professional and opinionated Greek man who does not like goofing around or whining. He is good at what he does and he knows it. That said, Bobby is very welcoming, funny and easy going, he made me feel comfortable. I pierced my nipples and nose and had no major issues. Everything he used was clean and sterile. He used individualy wrapped piercing needles. After, he took his time and gave me clear and ditailed cleaning and after care instructions. My piercings are healing good and fast with no problems or issues. My only issue was that after Bobby put piercing marks with his marker for placement it looked perfect and centered . Duing piercing process placement of the niddle moved a little bit and my piercing was 1 mm off original marks . Luckily it happened with both nipples and it still looks even but definitely not centered. My advice, remind him to be more careful with that. Another minor thing that bothered me that he is not allowing any photos taken at all. I would definitely go back there for my future piercings. Not sure if I would take my little daughter for her 1st piercing there. read more

Bead World - Nose piercing! - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

AMAZING!!!!!! I live in Evanston and would tell people to drive here no matter where they are. My daughter wanted her ears pierced and was a little scared and the sweet man that did it was so professional and funny and calming and did an amazing job. They are super clean and so careful on making it perfect. The shop is awesome too such cool jewelry and beads of course. The staff is very friendly and helpful too. Go there!!!!!! Best place for piercings ever!!!! read more

Poor quality services Don't give this guy your business You'll be very disappointed going here read more

I have been shopping here for years. The owners are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about all aspects of jewelry making and components. Bead World has an unusual collection of items. They carry the basics including semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystal, natural materials like freshwater pearls, wood and bone as well as beads and findings in sterling silver, gold filled, copper and base metals. The store also carries many beautiful one-of-a-kind pendants and jewelry pieces. In addition, Bead World has exotic items that the owner has collected on his trips abroad, some of them very old. All in all, a fun place to shop. read more

I love bead world it's the best, and i've gotten all my piercings there. All the employees were so helpful each time I came in!

very sweet family-run place. the piercer is friendly and funny and talks you through it, makes you comfortable. i got my doubles on my earlobe and it was $40 with 24k gold jewelry included. very reasonable. they also have a cool selection of beads, charms, pendants, rings, and necklaces read more

Bead World - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

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not licensed piercers, mine and my friends belly button wasn't pierced through our navel :( my cartilage was also pierced wrong and won't heal properly read more

My 6 year old wanted her ears pierced and I was hesitant about Claire's and saw someone recommended this place on social media. They were wonderful! It is family owned and the wife and son were so supportive and encouraging to my daughter while she waited her turn. The husband pierced her ears and he measured a few times and talked to her every step of the way and told her what he was doing. They were all fantastic and I highly recommend them!! read more

Bead World - Amazing piercing job! - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Do not get piercings here!!!! I went in to get my nose pierced here. The piercer raved about the high quality of jewelry and how he was the best piercer. The same day the piercing came half out due to incorrect jewelry being put in. Upon piercing my nose, I have NEVER bled that much, it was actually dripping from the inside of my nose. I eventually had to go to an actual piercing studio/tattoo parlor and INSTANTLY the guy knew I had gone to Bead world due to the incorrect placement of the piercing, and cheap jewelry. The piercer was very friendly but simply has no professional piercing qualifications. I understand it's a family owned shop and I will always support family places. But save your money and pain.. go to an actual piercing shop. read more

I got my septum pierced here and the piercer is the best! Definitely going to get another piercing from here soon again :)

The absolute ONLY place to get piercings done. The piercer is a perfectionist and he's super knowledgeable, professional and clean. I had my nostril and tragus piercings done here and both experiences were awesome. I recently went back to have my tragus jewelry switched out and it was a excellent experience as always. I've paid way more money to have piercings done at tattoo shops in the city and they have not been worth it. Bead World is a true gem ;) in the suburbs! read more

I only went twice because the father has a great sense of humor and his son is holy goddamn gorgeous. it feels very cozy and home-y like it's a family owned business but like I said prior.. my main reason to go and get 4 more piercings was because the son, Philip, was incredibly handsome. 5/5 would smash. great facility and professional staff also. . . read more

I went here in January for 3 piercings: doubles, and then one triple on my left ear (all on the lobe). The piercing went completely fine even though I made sure to ask if I could fit a triple on my ear cause my ears are small, to which he said it was fine and didn't really examine my ear. (This isnt the worst thing, but just thought I should note that he didn't really give me advice and I haven't gotten a piercing in years, but maybe I should've vocalized that). My piercings were fine for a while and the doubles healed pretty nicely, I only had the occasional pain if I slept on it, etc. However, the triple on my left lobe caused me a lot of problems. I made sure to clean it watch it but I am almost positive it was infected at some point. I developed a keloid on the front. I had to take the earring out and tend to it which seemed to make the ear heal and bring the swelling down very quickly. But anytime I had the earring in it hurt. At this point I wondered if it was just the shape of my ear that made it harder to heal (hence why I brought up my asking if a third earring could fit on my lobe) and let the hole close. Where I'm just confused is to why I had a lot of problems with that earring if I was cleaning the others the same and had no issues. Maybe it was the shape of my ear, but yet again I feel like he should've taken the time to understand his cliental since every persons ear is different. I would've gotten it done in a different place on my ear or not gotten it at all if the professional told me it wasn't a good idea. I would just say there is a lot more places you could go that do a more thorough, comfortable job. read more

In the past haven't had any issues. Happy with the work and have referred several friends to get piercings. Today was a different story! The ring in my daughter's daith came out last week and she wanted to make sure the hole hadn't closed (newer piercing) so she could get something new put in. The guy who does the piercing was VERY RUDE to my daughter for asking a simple question! No idea was his issue was. She was so upset by his attitude she walked out and does not even want to go back. You may be good at what you do and you may have some good reviews but if you disrespect your customers, they won't be your customers for long! read more

I had my rook pierced here in Aug 2019. No real problems with the piercing. I went back in Dec 2019 to have my conch pierced. I was horrified when the piercer brought out regular earrings for my conch piercing, rather than labret style earring, which is the most acceptable jewelry style for a conch. I should've ran right then and there, but I didn't. When I asked if the earring would provide enough room for swelling, he said "of course, the ear isn't that big. If there's any problems, just come back and we can fix it." Needless to say, I spent 7 months in agony wondering when my conch piercing will heal. (Spoiler: it can't heal because the earring is so tight against the back of my ear.) I knew I needed to see a different piercer when I developed a large bump on the back on my conch piercing, which likely resulted from have no room between the back of my ear and the earring. I went to a tattoo shop with a real piercer who notified me that the man at Bead World is NOT a licensed piercer and that he uses cheap, low-quality metals. The piercer at the tattoo shop fitted me with the correct length bar and the correct jewelry type for my conch, which was also made out of titanium. Now that my conch is equipped with the correct jewelry, the real healing can begin. Moral of the story: I should've paid more money to go to a professional piercer who would pierce me with the correct jewelry, rather than going somewhere inexpensive. Please do your research on the piercing you want and be confident enough to leave when you see something that's odd or off from what your research told you. read more

This place is the absolute BEST. Run by the nicest Greek guy ever. Coached me through a breakup while piercing my doubles free of pain. Did my bff's tragus and she barely even felt it. Very wise and caring people. WILL RETURN FOR ALL FUTURE NEEDS INCLUDING EMOTIONAL. read more

Bead World is my go to place for piercings. The family that owns it is super sweet and funny. They love telling you stories, which puts you at ease when you know you're about to be poked with a needle. They will go over the procedure with you (every time), from the individually wrapped, sterilized needle to the aftercare. They will also explain why the needles are so much better to use than the gun. I've had five piercings done at Bead World (as shown in the photo attached) and have had a positive experience every time. read more

Bead World - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Recently shopped here in search of earrings that would not irritate sensitive ears. Staff was very helpful in deciding which ones to buy that would be appropriate for the piercings that I have. I have been here in the past to get piercings, assist in taking out jewelry and to look for unique pieces. They are piercing during covid, all staff is gloved/masked. They give alcohol wipes with products and are very sanitary. Will definitely be back! read more

This was the best piercing experience that I have ever had. I had my tragus pierced, and they were clean, fast, and reasonably priced! The piercer is friendly and amazing. I was nervous at first but he cracked a few jokes, told me that I already knew what to expect and to breathe through it. The piercing room is a little small and the chair gave me a "he's going to rip a rotten tooth out of my mouth with rusty pliers" kind of vibe, but I'm glad that I got it done because it looks good and I barely felt it. Don't let the shop scare you, it's not your typical piercing shop but he knows what he's doing! read more

Bead World - Piercing Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

i would never recommend this place for any child getting their ears pierced. the owner is a jerk, rude, told my daughter she was the worst, and on top of that made my wife cry due to his ignorance. no person should take their child here or give them any business. I am making sure no child should feel the shame this man put on my daughter. She's 5 years old and you are a grown man saying this stuff to them. read more

Only giving 2 stars for the price point. It's the cheapest piercing place around. But that's probably for a reason. I came in a few years ago with a friend to get piercings. I got my septum pierced and she got her nostril pierced. The piercer fucked up twice!!! He pierced me a total of 3 times which I later learned is a hugeeee no no! read more

Don't go here. I got my septum done and it was pierced completely wrong and way too low. Through the bottom part of the cartilage. It's not worth it. Do not go here. read more

I decided to get my nose pierced a month ago. I don't care if you think I'm too old, or if you hate them, or whatever. I did it. And I love it. You will deal with that. Let's move on. A few days before I did it, I looked up some places on Yelp and for some strange reason, all the tattoo parlors seemed to be far away. This little place showed up and struck me as unique. Upon further research and a phone call to find out that an appointment wasn't necessary, I decided to give them a try. I grabbed one of my best girlfriends and her husband and we all went to Bead World one rainy Monday afternoon. She had been there before (when she found out where we were going, she exclaimed, "I LOVE THAT PLACE!!") and was excited to browse some of the beads and jewelry. I didn't know what to except and was kind of surprised to step inside a store filled with beautiful jewelry-making supplies. Piercings are handled in the back of the store. There is a little counter where you sign some papers and pick out the jewelry. Behind the counter is a little room with a chair and some piercing instruments. My friends were allowed to watch from behind a line on the floor in the room. I assume it was there for safety reasons -- they didn't mind and watched with glee. (You're also not supposed to squeeze someone's hands during the process because it raises blood pressure or something. You learn something new everyday!) I wasn't nervous about the experience until I walked in that room! Thankfully, one of the ladies offered me a bottle of water while the older man that did the piercing took his time explaining things to me. He waited patiently with the needle and told me to take a couple deep breaths. When I signaled that I was ready, he would pierce me. I loved this approach -- so gentle! I did what he said and a few seconds later, a had a new shiny pierce of jewelry on my nostril! Woo-hoo! Overall, a lovely experience and only $40. I left as a very satisfied customer. (It is healing very nicely, by the way.) Bead World is a family affair. The husband did my piercing while the wife and daughter worked behind the counter. (The daughter actually had her nose pierced twice, both done by her father! Cool!) They are such a warm and friendly family, and you can tell a lot of love has been poured into this place. I'm looking forward to going back in a couple weeks for new jewelry and maybe some handmade dreamcatchers. read more

Horrible and very rude people. Do NOT support this business or these people! Horrible experience in their store. Found better selection and prices at Michaels for what I was looking for! read more

I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous about going to Bead World to get my septum pierced. I'm from the burbs, and most of the places near me were only tattoo shops; no piercings. I'm not new to piercings; I've got about five and a bunch of tattoos, so coming across Bead World was a little different..I read every single review on Yelp and decided that 4.5/5 stars was a pretty good indicator that the place was legit. It's my second day with my new piercing and I'm pretty stoked. The piercer (this cute little old Greek man) was amazing. He was so personable and professional. He showed me the needle he'd be using (which was sterile and in a package) and all the other equipment. Yes, the piercing room is small, but it's clean and that's the most important thing. What really sealed the deal was today (my second day with the piercing), one of the balls fell off my horseshoe and because I have chubby fingers, I couldn't get it back on. I went back to Bead World and Mr. Piercer was more than happy to re-apply the ball. When I blew the ball out of his hand (totally my fault), he got another ball from another package and didn't even charge me for it. I would 100% recommend this place to anyone I know. read more

With so many good reviews I decided to go and get my tragus piercing done. The old man who does the piercings is good at explaining how to take care of the piercing. It makes you think that he's a professional but in reality he has no idea what he is doing. After he pierced my tragus i went home and realized that he had pierced it with a regular earring. After 2 days of having the piercing on I developed a keloid so big that it was starting to cover the piercing. I knew that I didn't develop the keloid from bad hygiene because I had never had a problem with any of my other piercings or tattoos. I decided to go to a tattoo shop, they told me that the earring he had used wasn't made for that kind of piercing. The piercing was so tight that it took him atleast 3 minutes to take it off. In other words if you want a good piercing go to a professional tattoo shop. They charge the same prices in some cases. read more