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| - I was doing research the very first time I visited this store (gosh, many years ago), so I had no idea about beads, but since then, I've done a lot of online research, I know more about pricing (Amazon and Fire Mountain Gems, generally good sources) and gemstone information in general, plus I know what I want to find. The last specialty bead store I've been to was Gem Bead Mall on Sunset (not sure if this is even the name). Before that, I was a huge fan of K & K, but since they've moved, I've had trouble locating them. I've been to Michael's and JoAnn's but I wasn't seeing what I truly wanted to buy at those chain stores (the inventory is limited, and they don't offer everything; it's just ok). And I'm still waiting on the rest of my recent order through Amazon (coming from overseas).
I love Sundance Catalog jewelry styles, which are boho and mixed gemstones. I also like Fossil, Lucky Brand, Silpada, and Lia Sophia (just to give you an idea about my jewelry style). I've been going through my beading stash because I've been beading up a storm (mixed bracelets) for Christmas gift-giving (*I have always been a year-round prepper, I've got a large family*). I've emptied two storage cases in the process.
We've recently moved to this side of town, and this store is a couple streets away from home, so this was on our list of area exploring this past weekend. I got a bunch of goodies for $31.13, five gemstone strands in various shades, shapes and styles (I'm tired of the rounds, so I've been going for other shapes lately) @ $3.97, two bags of spacers @ 99 cents a bag, 4 bags of grab bags @ 99 cents each (I got blue spacers, bronze spacers, clear crystal glass beads, and a bag of goldtone chains), and a special buy strand of citrine nuggets @ $2.97.
I'm just going to do a quick run-down of the inventory, in no particular order: gemstone beads, mineral specimens, pewter figurines, gemstone pendants (more, in the display case, behind the checkout desk), (in the case) swarovski, bone/horn beads, glass beads, all types of wire and chain by-the-foot supplies, beading books and magazines, czech beads, czech druk beads, coral beads, wood beads, colored wood beads, all types of findings supplies, showcase specimens like labradorite, amethyst, quartz, shark parts, etc., daisy spacer beads (regular and bulk buy), dyed beads, rings, pearl beads, special buys, grab bags, choose-your-own tables, and so much more!
Everything is well-stocked, the store is set up very well, and the items are arranged in an orderly fashion (except the grab-bag table, for good reason). I like the many stations and the large tables (the grab-bag table is my second favorite, choose your own). I love the gemstone sale table at the very front of the store, slightly left, from entering the store. Located in a shopping strip mall, there is lots of parking available.
Gift certificates are available. This is a no-pressure environment. The staff is nice and available for your questions. The owner is super-nice too. (I told him I'd been here many years ago, and he said they've since expanded; same location, but acquired the second store space). There is a waiting area for hubbies and children. There are tables for beaders to work on their projects, and I think that there are instructional classes as well. Also, there is a wheelchair ramp for handicapped customers. This is a huge store and so much to see for beaders in every talent range (beginners, mid-level, and experts). Usually, I'd be overwhelmed by everything, but I felt like a kid in a candy store- I loved it! (So, Gem Bead Mall is my 2nd fave source of beading supplies.) I didn't go crazy, but I didn't break the bank either. With this store being in our neighborhood, it's so convenient, and I don't need to depend on online sources anymore (I might even become a regular here).
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