The environment to begin with - this store is like you are just visiting... they have a huge dining table where you seat while Gloria works on bracelets or whatever you require fixed. Everyone keeps you company and their pleasant smiles - just makes your day. The value is not just the reasonable charges but, the laughter and enjoyment of the conversation while you watch them work. Highly recommend... if you are in need of beads, unique items (costume jewelry), and would like to learn how to do it... classes are held. read more

Glorious Beads - Shop - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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The ladies were so friendly and had a wide variety of beads to choose from. I definitely recommend if your looking for quality beads!

Wonderful cute date night activity to do with your husband! Last night was our wedding anniversary, and after dinner we were browsing for last minute thing to do. I saw that Glorius Beads was still opened in Castro Valley and wanted to check it out, so my husband went with me. And then on a spur of the moment I asked if my husband can make earrings for me, the shop owner, Gloria was soooo sweet and kind, and quickly showed him how to do it!! (I picked something super simple) and we left with cute earrings and it was only $3 something (only the cost of the materials). It was so cute I just thought I can share with others that are thinking about fun date night activities. She also teaches classes, I think $25 per person as a small group sitting, from 6-9pm. I think we were lucky there wasn't a class then so she could help us. I am planning to go back some time with friends to do a class and make cute bracelets / have a mom's night out! read more

Glorious Beads - Hubby making my earrings - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Gloria is so helpful and generous with her knowledge about jewelry repair. A lovely small business with many items that can be purchased as singles instead of bags full. read more

I was in the area and came across Glorious Beads, tucked away on the main street of CV Boulevard. As an amateur beader, I've been (of course!) on the hunt for some beading arsenal. Walking into Glorious Beads, I'm overwhelmed...in a good way! I knew what I wanted in terms of the color scheme, but didn't know which sizes to use. I didn't know where to begin, but Gloria (the owner) and a few other ladies there beading guided me to the very first beads I'd use to create my first-ever beaded earrings! Glorious Beads is an absolute gem and Gloria was so welcoming and warm - I highly recommend this store to anyone, especially those that are amateurs like myself. So much variety and styles of beads, along with support from staff to help you with the selection process for your beaded masterpiece! read more

Glorious Beads - My very first beaded earrings created with beads from Glorious Beads! - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I took my son to replace his bead bracelet after it broke. The owner was very welcoming and pleasant. It was a great experience. He was happy and enjoyed the visit to Glorious Beads! read more

Great local small business! I got to meet the owner and her wonderful 3 pups! I am new to jewelry design so having her help me pick the right beads and tools is very important! read more

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A few years back I was at the Jade Hawker Bazaar in Hong Kong and purchased a jade bracelet. I must have paid $10. It was held together with a silicone string. I'd only had it on a few times and it broke. Luckily I was home and gathered up the beads. I rediscovered the beads last week and put them in a zip lock bag with the intent on having them restrung. Found Gloria's Beads on Yelp and stopped in today. Yup, as the other reviews mentioned, a big black dog came out barking. Not to worry, Ranger is just welcoming you. Another little dog, Reef, joined in the greeting. Gloria came out from the back. It's all good with me! I showed her my beads and explained my story. Good news is that the beads are in fact jade and worth stringing and repairing. She said I could do it myself if I had a crimping tool or we could do it together. Gloria got all parts. We decided not to use string and instead wire was a better option. It took us about 5 minutes. I strung the beads with Gloria using the tool and attaching the clasp. $6 and my jade bracelet is fixed! I actually have two beads left over. Gloria said we'll make earrings next time, so I guess I'll return. She is just darling! read more

Glorious Beads - Gloria fixed my jade bracelet for $6! - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I was buy beads good selection miyuky beads and natural beads stone everything like crystals and so so beautiful

We came in looking for some beads for a birthday project. This was my wifes first project, and the owner took time away from her work to walk us through all the materials we would need to succeed in the project. Lots of awesome supplies and we appreciate the owner going above and beyond read more

The owner was super friendly, sweet, and just gave the best customer service ever. I highly recommend coming to this place for any of your jewelry ideas or just making something for scratch. They have charms, crystals, stones, strings, and many more. I wished I asked the owners name but she's super sweet. I cannot thank her enough for the hospitality. She is super welcoming and she has amazing program for the community to sign up for such as classes after Covid is over. There is parking in the back but if it's your first time you'll most likely think to park in the front. Please support small business because they support the community and everyone back. I will be coming back for beads and many more items. The prices are SUPER reasonable and you'll find some buried treasures that you'd never see in other stores like Michaels or other craft stores. The quality of everything here is great. And there's so much deals. Everything is affordable. Stop by! They also have an Instagram so follow them there also for new things dropping at the store. Thank you so much for being so welcoming. read more

Glorious Beads - Swarovski crystal beads! - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Cute little bead shop with a great selection! The owner could not have been more kind and helpful. We will be back for sure!

Super cute store that seems to have quality stones for sale versus the usual low quality stones other stores seem to have on sale. They only have a few strands of certain gemstones so it may be hard to be choosy but the quality is definitly there. The ladies are super helpful and answered my questions. A plus is that they have a cute furry kitty cat and a doggy. You will have to find street parking and then walk over but it isnt hard tp find. read more

Just try to get ahold of them? No one gets back to you via email or phone call, nothing. I want to buy and take classes but nothing Why??

This place is amazing! Every type of bead you would ever need here. They even helped me put a hook on my lava stone. They also make jewelry here as well. Very cute and unique jewelry. I asked if they had something I didn't see and the lady took my name and number and did actually call me when they had them in stock. I love supporting local businesses and especially when they have great customer service and quality items. read more

I used to frequent this store often as a kid, and enjoyed putting together necklaces and finding lots of pretty beads here. I hate to give a local business such a low rating, but regardless of the selection or customer service, I will never visit again for one reason: cats. Being incredibly allergic to cats is a pain in the butt when it comes to visiting friends' houses, but I shouldn't have to put my health at jeopardy for a business transaction. When a store has cats, it tells me they put the owner's comfort above that of their (potential) customers. This, despite a large sign hanging by the register that says, "Pamper the customer." I didn't feel pampered as I waited 5 minutes to be acknowledged while the owner was on the phone, and would have left except there are no other stores like this nearby. The owner was helpful once she finished her phone call and served another customer who was behind me in line, but it really doesn't matter as I won't return while they keep pets in the store. read more

I enjoyed my time at Glorious Beads. The owner Gloria was very nice, knowledgable and welcoming. She has a wide variety of bead options. Her shop is inviting with the beads organized by color. My only critique are the steep prices. She does have baskets of 50% off beads. However aside from the strands, the fancier beads are sold per bead which adds up. I definitely will come back to get the more unique beads from her and possibly take a class with her. read more

What a great place! The owner, Gloria, (who is so pleasant and knowledgeable) helped me design a bracelet and strung it for me. All together it cost under $20 and it was gorgeous! She also just fixed a pearl necklace for me and it was beautifully done. I will be back! read more

I stopped by here looking for some crystals to make some jewelry with. They had a few of those but soooo much other fun things as well! The owner is super bubbly and really helpful in helping you figure out how to make or fix your jewelry. (She was helping another customer fix a piece of jewelry.) She has so many different types of beads in all different colors, and very reasonably priced too! I really could spend all day in there dreaming up different projects I could make! They even hold classes at the shop! It's best to call ahead because the hours on yelp don't necessarily match up. read more

Like others have reported, got here at about 12:15 on a Thursday, when they should have been open. But they were closed, dark, and did not answer their phone. Very disappointed after making the long trek to check them out. read more

Love this place! Gloria, the owner, is always very pleasant and helpful. Amazing selection of seed beads, stringing materials and books. The store pets, Raider the dog and Pretty Girl the cat are cute and friendly. This is a definitely a fav go-to store. read more

I've been shopping at Glorious Beads for a long time, and even more now that I'm retired. Gloria is always helpful, always nice, and very patient. She does not pressure me, but rather allows me to browse, and I simply let her know when I'm ready to check out. And if I have questions, she's always happy to answer/help! I've compared her pricing to other bead stores like hers, and they are the same. Other bead stores are different and don't have the variety of seed beads, bicones, rivolis, filigree, etc. And her classes are great! I love everything about Gloria's store! read more

Glorious Beads is an outstanding shop for the Beader. Everyone calls it the "Local Candy Store" for the Beader! Even a trombone player came in and said, "Man, if this was a trombone store I would not want to go home! So I can imagine what it must be like for the Beader!" We are not perfect in anyway, but strive to make the customer feel a part of us when they come in. I'm sure there are people who come in in a hurry, who may not be waited on right away. That would be due to an abundance of customers, one register,(small shop), and possible class going on at the same time. I would say, "be patient you will be waited on as soon as possible". Gloria,(owner), aims to please. Always patient, always kind, always willing to help in anyway. Great teacher! At times life gets a little hectic and the shop may not be open right on time. My suggestion would be, "call first" if in doubt before you come. Tues nights from 6-8 or 9 pm is "salad night". Bring something to put in a salad to share, bring your item you are working on, and visit with other Beaders! Great evening to catch up with everyone if you haven't been in for awhile. Glorious Beads is located at the end of Castro Valley Blvd., going west toward Hayward, or at the beginning of Castro Valley Blvd. going east, across from the Pee Wee Golf. Located on the north side of Blvd. With many small business' going out of business, it is nice to see many Beaders support Glorious Beads. Beaders come all the way from Sonora, Marysville, Sacramento and S.F.. Thanks to all of you out there for supporting her. Let's keep this small shop owner going! Hopefully you too will rate her shop. Its helps her to grow and see how to improve and better serve her customers. read more

Where Everyone knows your name..... Castro Valley is so fortunate to have a bead store. Many in the SF Bay Aread have closed during the recent years of financial difficulties. This store is great for seed beads, Swarovski crystals, strands of semi-precious stones, findings, great books and much more. Prices are a bit higher than some stores, but the location is so convenient it is always worth it to me to shop locally and avoid a drive into Berkeley or San Jose whenever possible. Also Gloria is available to repair jewelry at an extremely reasonable price. For beaders in the Castro Valley area this is a wonderfully convenient and very friendly place "where everyone knows your name". read more

Today was my first time to this bead shop and my experience was perfect! The only reason I gave it a 4 star here is that the inventory was just a tiny bit limited compared with big stores; however, the owner is super ready to order anything not in the store. Gloria was amazing. So friendly, even while simultaneously teaching a class, helped me with all my beginner's questions and was just an all-round delight. Parking was simple, the store was cute, and the customer service, excellent. I highly recommend this store. read more

I love going to this place because the owner, Gloria, always makes me feel like a long lost friend! She has a great selection of books and seed beads. She offers lessons on basics at a very reasonable price. Always fun to pop in and see what's new. AND she sells AVON too! Bonus! I'd rather give her my business than buy it on line. Oh, I almost forgot, another bonus. She offers a frequent buyer card (not hard to do here). Way fun, Yami says, check it out. read more

Amazing place and Gloria is always helpful! Their selection of beads are outstanding and they always have new arrivals which I am happy about! Highly recommend! read more

I want to like this store and I will go there when I need something and I am close by. This store constantly misses the mark. It is frustrating that they do not follow their own posted hours. I took my lunch break from work to go there one morning and they were not open, even though all of their postings said they were open.. I am an animal lover, but it can be hard to shop there when the dog is there and lying in the middle of the floor- sweet pup- I get it but the dog does get in the way of looking at the beads and products. The shop is small so it does not take much to make it difficult to move around in. It seems that everytime I go, it takes longer to make the actual purchase then it does to look around the store. No one seems too eager to help the customer leave the store. It is a nice store, but not one I want to stay in for very long. The bead selection can be a hit or miss. Sometimes they have some nice items and other times- the bead selections are "very unique". This store is a bit more pricey and a good store to go to if you are in the area but not to make a special trip for. read more

Glorious Beads is a great small bead store. They have a good selection & Gloria is always available to give you advice, which is incredibly helpful. I've taken a few classes & enjoyed them. Unless you're allergic to cats you can come in, sit at the big table in the center of the store, ask advice if you need it & just enjoy the regulars who frequent the place & Gloria's bubbly personality. read more

This place is very small, but has a decent selection. The owner is a very nice person and very helpful, which is probably why people come here over other better priced shops. Very expensive compared to others in the Bay Area. read more

Great place to learn how to make jewelry that looks complicated to make. you will come away with amazing jewelry at an affordable price. Alameda read more

Love this place! The owner, Gloria, is the friendly person there is and always makes you feel at home when you come in her store. They have a wide selection of beads from seed beads to gemstones, and other things. They also offer classes. From the front parking is rough, but there is actually a lot begind the store. read more

This morning I went to Glorious Beads at 10:06a. Their website says that they are open at 10a on Saturdays. I called, I waited, I left.

Gloria and her friends are so friendly. I think there's a great selection, good prices, and happy to support a small local business. Just wish I had more time to get in more often! read more

Love this bead store since Gloria took it over! Gloria makes the store a warm environment to relax and evoke my creative spirit. It became my sanctuary after I went though a difficult time. Whenever I need relief from the stress in my life, I wander down there and enjoy the assortment of beads. read more

it is a cute little shop with great bead. its a little small but it is a shop in Castro Valley so of course it is cramped.but the thing that keeps me coming back is owner glorias happy personality. read more