I came to Beadniks today to create a necklace with a specific vision in mind. I couldn't have been happier when I found everything I needed to make exactly what I had been looking for. The store had a brilliant selection of beads, stones, chains, and even pre-made jewelry. The associates were super friendly--very patient and helpful as my friends and I were making our selections and ultimately assembling our new pieces. I would definitely recommend Beadniks to friends and plan to come back in the near future. read more

I am SO glad there is finally a great bead store with quality beads, great variety and a staff of people that is not snobby just because I am not an artist! Great beads and great people at great prices! What more can you ask for?! read more

Just updating my rating! Everything about Beadniks is fantastic, from service to selection. For some reason, I used to give a lot of 4-star reviews, and now I realize that if you're happy with a business, you gotta give them all 5 stars! Highly recommend! read more

Professional jewelry designer here. Good selection if you're interested in finding charms and hippie-boho components. As that's not the style of my line, I tend to come here for whatever little gems I can find hiding in the hundreds of little compartments throughout the store. You're going to need some time here - the store isn't easy to navigate, and from my handful of visits to the store, the staff is a bit more interested in chatting with each other than offering any help. But if you hang around you'll find what you need, and probably ten things you don't. This place falls into that nebulous area of lots of American bead shops. What is it about Buddha in these places? The incense in the air smells wonderful only if you're not allergic. The range of semi-precious beads and stones is wide and beautifully displayed, while things like Czech glass and crystal are harder to find here. My advice: know what you need before you come and get in-get out. Prices are quite high, a problem with many Chicago bead stores. Be prepared to balk at the pricing on metal findings and hanks of beads, but...if you need something unique, you should be willing to fork it over. Check online sources before you drop a paycheck here. Many Chicago bead stores source their materials online and you can take advantage of the better pricing there. I support local business as much as possible, but as a pro designer, I need lots of things at one time...so I check in here every so often to find that special something that completes a one-of-a-kind piece. read more

I. love. this. place. The girls that work here are wonderful. They are great at helping you create beautiful pieces and giving suggestions that make your jewelry look beautiful. So many of the things I have made I get compliments on. Their selection is awesome and they have different things in all the time. My only watch-out is that making jewelry is not cheap--it all adds up and they don't really talk to you about price until you are being rung up. It would be nice to know while the work is in progress what you are spending. But I take responsibility for that--I should have asked! I will be back here again and can't wait! read more

I had a great time in this beautiful place! One of my friends had her bachelorette party in the back room. We drank wine, looked over the incredible selection of beads, and made some jewelry with the staff helping us. A great place to express your creativity. read more

Love this place - still:) Once again staff took a ton of time helping me bring my vision to a reality:) Thanks guys! Hope you'll let me back in even though I took hours of your time:) read more

They had a really nice selection and the staff was really friendly. I got some nice stuff here for a piece for my mom's birthday. I only give them 4 stars because while I was impressed their prices were still a little high. I've been to Michael's and they have a decent selection of starter stuff for WAY cheaper. I think I'd only really use this place for a few really nice beads for something. Still, I'm probably going to go back sometimes soon. read more

After doing much research and experiencing overpriced bead stores with poor selection around the city, I have finally found a gem - Beadniks. It's incredible. Their selection from chain to beads to findings to silver is so unique... I haven't seen anything like it. There is nothing cheesy or gaudy iin this store. Their chain selection is AMAZING. The people are friendly and wiling to help in any way they can, but they're not pushy or bothersome at all. The friendly and warm environment makes it hard to leave. The display jewelry jumpstarts your imagination and makes you change your mind 3 times about what kind of necklace you want to create. I love this place. read more

From the moment you walk into this store, you are creatively inspired. Bead nicks is extremely well organized so you do not get too overwhelmed with all of the choices you have available. Each one of the staff members is kind, and willing to help with questions, wire wrap, or even design ideas. There is a big table in the back to sit down , as well as one in the front, so you never feel rushed if you want to stay and learn more. I have taken a couple of classes here, and the projects turned out AMAZING! The class was taught at a perfect pace. My 10 year old daughter and her friend also took a wrap bracelet class here and they loved it! They sat still for the entire 2 hours and both took home adorable bracelets that they are still wearing 2 weeks later!!! read more

I took my mom here as she is into macrame and knitting and general. She thought the selection of beads was amazing. We signed up for a beading workshop the following week - it was a lot of fun. We are going back to check out some of the special events held at the shop. Overall a thumbs up for Beadniks. read more

I went there because I like making my own jewelry from time to time. I wasn't looking for anything specific, but I found a pair of great earrings. I ended up not buying the beads but the earrings instead. The earrings broke the day I wore them. I took them back to the store and they helped fix them. The kept mentioning something about the earrings and the stuff used to make them and it didn't sound good. The earrings are broken once again. I'm not gonna bother with getting them fixed again. read more

Wonderful store. Brought my niece in there on her spring break and they helped her pick things out and then taught her in the back how to assemble her necklace. I think it was about $35. We were in there for a good hour. The women who work there (presumably the owners) were super friendly and helpful without being clingy. I will definitely be going back, hopefully on one of their wine tasting nights...that's right, they've got all kinds of events, including one where you bring in your old, broken pearls and fix them for 1/2 price or make new jewelry. Probably a great place for a girls night/wedding shower/hen's night, what have you. read more

I'm a novice jewelry maker but I'm obsessed and I'll blame it in part on Beadniks! The store is fabulous. The choices of beads can be overwhelming the first few visits. Be prepared to be visually amused. The staff is friendly and have great ideas for new projects or how to update an old piece of jewelry. The class I took was informative, hands-on and FUN. I'm excited about taking more classes to learn other techniques. The merchandise is a bit pricey but high quality. They also have items I haven't seen elsewhere. Stop in, look around and get hooked! read more

I celebrated my birthday by reserving a private party at Beadniks. We all had a great time! The Beadnik staff are so helpful. I love the variety of beads. My friend and I made a Mala. It was a great experience. I love this place!! read more

Beadniks was the first stop during my sister in laws bachelorette weekend. For $10 each, we had a table in the back of the store and lots of assistance as needed (at least 2 staff members were assisting our group at any time). The jewelry was al a cart and we each paid for whatever we choose on top of the $10. Everyone was supported in making something beautiful and still given the space they needed to be creative. This establishment was also BYOB. So we were able to enjoy wine while we socialized and created fun jewelry, each as unique as the person making it. I am no longer a Chicago local, but will be back if I ever have time during my visits. I highly recommend this shop for a girls night out, it was the perfect start to our weekend. read more

This place is wonderful. The selection is great and the staff are professional, friendly and know how to get what you need. They helped me turn a half baked idea into a really sweet necklace. Thanks! read more

Great selection of beads and whatever, easy to call in and have a gift card waiting there for my sister's birthday! thanks Loren!

Cool place tons of beads good staff but kind of expensive

I took one of the classes here and really enjoyed it the instruction was excellent. Prices are a little high but I really enjoy the selection and beautiful items. read more

Good bead selection, but expensive. They have tools there you can use, but charge you to use them. Interesting classes, but too expensive.

If you want a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, come here. The staff is super friendly and very willing to help. Just pick out your beads and for $3 they will make a bracelet for you! Must visit. read more

Went with my wife because she into beading, and thought I would be bored out of my mind. NOT at the BEADNIKS. This is fun store the staff get you involve. I learn how to make and design my own bracelet. How much fun is that. read more

Lauren, the store owner helped me and my best friend finally get the right bracelets. We had each been wearing a friendship bracelet that was tied by a rope and had a special bead signifying our bonds as friends and over coming challenges. The rope was tattered and we did not want to get rid of the bead so we wore this old bracelet until Today!! We showed Lauren a picture of what we envisioned and she created it for us right before our eyes. All the while the three of us shared personal stories and got to know each other. Beadniks is not just a bead store. Its the entire buying experience, wrapped in creative ingenuity and a community feel. You definitely feel loved and cared for at this place. I will be bringing all my broken jewelry parts that I have kept over the years and I look forward to coming up with new ways to fix them write up. Thanks Lauren for following your dreams. xoxoxo read more

The girls that work at beadniks are awesome. They are super friendly and knowledgeable. I needed to get some jump rings to fix two purses and they fixed it in one minute, no questions asked for the price of the rings ($3). You can always stop in here and get exactly what you need w great service. read more

Stopped in yesterday, not only did the ladies working quickly help me fix a piece of jewelry, I walked out with two amazing bracelets (amethyst and rose quartz) and a fabulous tourmaline ring that, to me, look like they cost way more than they did! I also laughed a lot during my time in the store, which is the main reason I decided to Yelp, I'm not much of a yelper but my experience today gave me something to Yelp about for sure. I actually ended up staying in the store to hang for quite a bit longer than expected! Also I'm an acupuncturist and I work with crystals, I like how the staff knows about the healing properties of stones. Beautiful stones and beads, great people working who can help you, nice vibes......I will be back soon! My favorite jewelry store, hands down :) read more

Normally when I come here I have a pleasant experience. One time one of the girls that worked here made my daughter (4yrs old) a bracelet. This last visit was probably the worst experience ever. Many little events making my visit uncomfortable. There were two ladies working that I haven't seen before and they weren't warm and inviting like the previous 2 girls. One of the ladies thought it was ok to tell my daughter in a stern stand "off-ish" way don't cry in my store. I work in the service industry and I would never tell someone's child they couldn't cry in my salon and definitely not in her tone. Great beads and stones some over priced but poor customer service. read more

These ladies are absolutely fabulous! The selection and overall experience is fantastic too, but the women who work here go above and beyond and are one of the reasons I always want to come back. I work for a small company, and we have had our holiday soiree there the past several years - we bring in snacks and bubbly, chat, and make jewelry - which always requires plenty of assistance. I've been so impressed that I brought my bridal party to make our wedding jewelry. Another great experience, and lots of help narrowing down visions in what can be creatively overwhelming. I can't say enough about how much I love this place! read more

I've been to Beadniks twice. Both experiences were top-notch, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable and honest. Highly recommended.

This store is a beautiful store. From its location, selection, and prices I have no complaints only praise. It's located in a rather affluent area, with a nice variety of shops and restaurants. However, with that being said, more often than not those with money tend to hold that over those who are not as fortunate. The decor inside is reminiscent of a market place in Bali or Nepal. Gold, silver, beautiful beads and metals. I love how the decoration comes together. It has a Buddha theme going on everywhere you go. The selection of stones, bones, metals, woods, and glass are all in separate little containers on tables which really showcase the variety. The prices alongside for individual pieces are comparable to what you would find online and are very unique. Now the only issue and what breaks it for me is the customer service. A place could look like a dream-side escape, but if you're being treated like a beggar rather than s tourist or guest for that matter why would you even bother going? It's sad to say that that breaks it for me. I really liked this place and it was my first time. When I came in with a group, I was initially greeted and left alone, which I like (until I have questions or need assistance) but the girl kept looking at me and my friends like we came to steal the hottest beads like Jordan's. Give me a break. I told her I was making jewelry and she seemed half interested. She just lead me to some wire. I also asked about classes which she kept forwarding to their website. If she wanted to sell some classes she definitely lost her chance. I kept asking about the classes and she kept saying online like that was her only computation from the robot spokesperson. She was rushing us out with her body language by continuing to hang over us meanwhile some Canadian goose wearing kids came it cackling and it was a family reunion for them you would have thought. All in all, I don't like being treated any less than a person who deserves respect any customer is due. I went to avp jewelry and they cut me deals on jewelry, told me about their classes, and were very helpful throughout my experience. I guess beadniks is beat. read more

I love this store and highly recommend! Although I don't make jewelry, I have a number of necklaces and other pieces that have needed to be re-strung or have their clasps replaced (or both) and Beadnicks does the work quickly and for a very reasonable price (getting 2 necklaces re-strung @ Beadnicks was less than half the price quoted by a jeweler for re-stringing 1 simple necklace). read more

You literally could not pay me to ever step foot in this place again. I was about to walk out after 10 minutes in here with nobody asking if I needed help. I wish I had made it to the door, but one of the many employees deigned to offer assistance. I wasn't too bothered by the ridiculous prices-- location, location, location-- but then an older woman- the owner?- wanted to charge me $3.50 for "showing me" how to tie a knot. I couldn't see what she was doing anyway, but I was already paying $5 for what I could get at Michael's for 88 cents. I hate Michael's but in this case I should have just bitten the bullet. As she was ringing me up I took out my credit card and she said, "Why can't you pay cash, it's only $8.50." I said oh, I thought it was only $5. "Well, yes, but then the fee for showing you that knot." I wish I had seen the look on my own face because she quickly said "I'll just charge you the 5, ok?" And she grabbed the 5 out of hand, no thank you, no receipt, no little bag for this 88 cents worth of crap. Rude people with more of a sense of entitlement than manners or class make me laugh. Bish, you sell beads. read more

This place has a large selection of beads and has a creative vibe. However, the customer service stinks. The ladies behind the counter were more interested in their personal projects instead of helping customers. I asked for help on several occasions and was told to just look over there. If customer service was important, then the agent would have shown me different options instead on pointing. Side note: they have a large selection. However, they are overpriced. The same bead that I purchased earlier that day at a different bead shop was 10 dollars compared to 20 dollars at this place. Overpricing and lack of customer service will cause me to never visit again. read more

Beadnik's has a great selection of beads and jewelry supplies, however it is way overpriced and the staff is extremely unfriendly and rude.

I used to work at a bead shop in 2004-2006. I liked this place overall. There is a lot to choose from, but they don't have a lot of really nice gem strands. I had a gift card, otherwise, I'm not sure I'd stop in here unless I was really needing something. The girl behind the counter was helpful. If you want something pre-made or need assistance, I'm sure they would be happy to help you. But, for someone who is already seasoned, I think this is not the place for us as we can get findings/materials much cheaper elsewhere. I would have given them 4 stars... but for someone advanced in jewelry making, I say this is a 3 star. read more

Since most people go to bead shops to make their own jewelry, a person could be forgiven for thinking that all bead shops are essentially the same. I guess the theory is, "I can make a turquoise bead necklace anywhere." Well, no disrespect, but not all bead shops are created equal. This one is SO MUCH BETTER. You can't just go someplace cheaper and get the same thing. Why? The selection here is amazing. Whoever does this store's purchasing should get a gold star because the "beads" are more than just beads; they're actually amazing little works of art that are just waiting to be turned into your jewelry. On one trip I saw pewter charms, coral, agate, enamel, etc., etc. There are things in this store that the most funky, sophisticated gal-about-town would kill to wear. Also, here are my two cents on the price issue: if I see a necklace made by ten thousand things or by some other designer and I love it but I can't afford it, I can make a ten-thousand-things-inspired look for a lot less. And it will be better b/c it won't be a copy, it will be personalized for me. I think it's worth it. And it's fun. Should have said that first. It's SO much fun. read more

Gentlemen, look no further if you want an AWESOME, customized and customizable one-of-a-kind gift for the woman in your life! I walked into Beadniks, seeing if they could re-do a cheap piece of jewelry I bought elsewhere. (They couldn't -- you can't do anything with rubbish.) But then I saw a pair of earrings for my girlfriend -- and then a beautiful matching necklace in the same stone. But it was too long, I thought. No problem! Megan whipped out her tools and adjusted it to the length the two of us decided would work best -- and then created a bracelet with the remainder! I gave the three-piece set to my girlfriend, and she was overjoyed. The earrings are a bit heavy... No worries! She can go to Beadniks and work with Megan or one of the other skilled craftspeople and get exactly what she desires. I'm a Beadniks fan forever, and will go there again for error-free gifting for the women in my life. read more

I love this place! When you walk in, you feel like you have been transported to Indonesia since the decor is so beautiful. Not only does it have the best bead selection in Chicago...its owners are down to earth and personal. Everyone is always so helpful when I go in that I end up staying for hours. It has inspired me to make more and more jewelry...a love that I didn't even know I had. read more

We came here with a group for a "girls night out" and had a blast!! The store has a wide selection of everything you need from beads to findings to chain to cords. Excellent selection of materials and lots of pre-made jewelry around the store for inspiration. The two things that were kind of a bummer was the prices and the staff. The prices of the beads was astronomical! Probably at least 5 times what you would pay for beads pretty much anywhere else. However, the findings and other materials were reasonable. There were three girls working the night we went. Two of them were super friendly and helpful, but one girl was completely rude. Allison was really friendly and helpful!! She was so nice to everyone and was great! Another girl with long dark brown hair with big glasses (don't know here name because she didn't introduce herself) was majorly rude and condescending to us on several occasions. I would never ask her for help upon returning. She should rethink her job in customer service. BUT...overall we had a great time and will definitely return!! read more

This place was great! Went there on Friday night with friends and made some really cool stuff. The place is really fun, the staff was soooo helpful and nice and the prices are totally reasonable. Great for a girls night out and I definitley will be back. read more