These days, you can get almost anything in greater quantity, more variety, and cheaper on the Internet. But with beads (as with most art supplies I work with) it *really helps* to touch them, see them in in person. Star's Beads is a small store tucked on a side street in Vienna, and it's become my touchstone bead store. If I have a bad work day, I browse their collection on my lunch hour. I can drop in after work, or on a Saturday. I've had good experiences with the staff--they know their merchandise, they listen, if I ask for an opinion relating to my current project, they are thoughtful. Often Star or her daughter are around; they or others on staff have taken the time to check back-room inventory if I'm looking for more of a specific item (and if the shop is not swamped with customers, as it sometimes is). They're happy to comment on the trends they see at shows or on buying trips. Star's carries a variety of beads at an array of price-points, so I can get "practice" stuff as well as high-end stuff. They have a good variety of pressed czech glass shapes and colors, nice selection of gemstone strands in rounds and shapes, a pearl table with heaped strands, cool clasps, a variety of pliers and tools, findings (including niobium earwires), chain, crystals ... all the ingredients I need to stimulate designs. I've not had the time to take classes, but have found offerings that intrigue me, and enjoy looking at the demo pieces high on the walls. Star's also has special events (just got back from the "trunk show" this weekend--nice silver/copper/brass and beetles!), and quantity discounts if you're going to be making a big stock purchase. Star's offers a "customer rewards" card that gives a bonus in merchandise for every $300 (I think that's the current "level") you spend--I've found I get more "mileage" on this card than at the other area bead store, or the chain stores with bead departments. I think it's the personality of the store. read more

I've been going to Stars for years. In fact it was because of the wonderful attention I got there that I started making and selling jewelry. I found the shop by accident. The entrance is not on the street so unless you know it's there it's not that easy to find. I asked them if they give classes and the person that I spoke to said if I had an hour she would give me a free class right then. This was a BUSY Saturday morning. I made a 2-strand necklace and have not stopped since. There is always someone there willing to discuss ideas with you. They have great classes. Yes, you can find the majority of their inventory elsewhere but that's to be expected. They're always bringing in unusual pieces from their trips but they don't last long. You can probably get a lot of it online at cheaper prices but if you wan't to get a good look at colors etc. it is better to go into the store. I can guarantee that you will walk out with more than your original plans! The made-up pieces around the store are great for ideas. I have been known to take a photo with my phone as an example for something to make! read more

I love Star's Beads! Easy to get to and easy to park in their private lot. I have found all of the staff to be very helpful and friendly. Each one is knowledgeable, creative and artistic. I appreciate their attention to my needs no matter how much or how little I plan to purchase. Whenever I need help, they gladly assist me. They often suggest a new idea and even show me new techniques. Many times they have helped me finish a project, especially if there are not too many people in the store. I wasn't a "beading person" 3 years ago but due to their attention to the small details, I have now become a bead enthusiast. I highly recommend the store to my friends who love to bead but also to anyone who may want to fix or rework a piece of jewelry. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Mary D. read more

I've been shopping at this store for almost a decade & I recently been noticing how racist and & a disgusting couple of workers are to where the owner is not doing anything about it. If you're not white or Caucasian you are treated very poorly by the two employees. They're very lucky that I haven't used my hidden camera and viral the video on Youtube to not only let the public become aware but also make em financially suffer. Star's Beads if you are reading this I hope you do realize who I am because I have zero tolerance of seeing any kind of racism and to let any retail to get away with treating certain ethnicity of its customers different then any. I don't care if is privately owned or a corporate there should NOT be any tolerance for the way Star's Beads is getting away with it. read more

What a wonderful store!!! I was welcomed by the staff the moment I walked through the door. When I was new to the store, I was shown the lay out and asked if I needed help with anything in particular. Since that first visit, this has become my favorite place to go. Not only can I count on the staff to help me with my beading questions, I can count on finding everything I need when I need it. The selection is great. Prices are comparable and often cheaper than the local chain. And, if all of this wasn't enough, there are wonderful classes that are frequently taught by people whose work I've seen in magazines. From beginner to advanced beader you'll be very happy you stopped at Star's. read more

Star's Beads is very much a part of my life. Although, I don't visit it everyday because I work in another State I do visit the store every Saturday and Sunday 50 weeks a year. I find something new, or something I need every time I visit. I found the staff to be quite accessible and knowledgable. The classes are great, the beads are quality and the staff know their staff and really put up with a lot of rude people. Clearly, if you are regular you may feel more comfortable but in my estimation the staff is always willing to help with a problem. read more

I love Star's Beads. They are close to my house and the Whole Foods where I shop. The staff will demonstrate how to do something on the spot, because they are all beaders. The store is open, friendly and homey. They get lots of new stuff through, which I know because I can never come back a few months later and try to match stuff bought earlier. They are cheaper than their competitor at the nearby mall, with more selection. read more

The staff are very helpful, the selection of chains for necklace making is awesome and bead selection is quite good.. I prefer this shop over other bead stores in the area. read more