Boston Bead Company

4.0 star rating
43 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Arts & Crafts, Jewelry  [Edit]

23 Church St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood: Harvard Square
(617) 868-9777
Nearest Transit:

Harvard Sq @ Garden St - Dawes Island (66, 86)

Massachusetts Ave @ Johnston Gate (1, 66, 68, 69)

Massachusetts Ave @ Holyoke St - Holyoke Gate (1, 68, 69)

Hours:

Mon-Thu 11 am - 6 pm

Fri-Sat 10 am - 8 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Validated
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

We design and manufacture fine jewelery for very important center stones and gems. We stock ideal cut round, princess and cushion cut diamonds with GIA…   read more »

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43 reviews in English

  • Review from Lauren M.

    • 6 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    4/4/2012

    I hosted a Ladies Beading Party here for my sister's bachelorette party this past weekend.  Kate was very helpful in booking the party.  Our instructor that night was Danielle, and she was very helpful, accommodating and patient with us.  It was great to have the run of the store while selecting beads and coming up with ideas.  We all made beautiful items with Danielle's help, and I thought it was inexpensive.  They allow you to bring in light snacks and drinks (but no alcohol) but we were so busy beading that we didn't even have time to eat or drink.  I would definitely recommend this place for a private party!

  • Review from Tasha P.

    • 3 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Arlington, MA

    4.0 star rating
    11/5/2011

    Hi Yelpers,
    Today I attended my first beading making class!  It was fun and the group size was good.  The instructor was very friendly, helpful and patient.  I think the cost of the class was reasonable.  I definitely learned what it takes to make a bracelet!! Lots of patience and eye and hand coordination!! It was a great way to spend a nice fall afternoon! Thanks to my friend for inviting me!!!!

  • Review from Gina I.

    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Brighton, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/24/2011

    I am new to jewelry work, and I do not use beads too frequently, but I always need chains and findings for my pieces. After visiting a different bead shop, I went here just to compare.

    Firstly, their selection is great. Most importantly, they have options for every budget. The staff was very helpful and directed me to the proper tools and findings I would need for my project.

    My biggest praise for them is that they have a huge selection of gold-plated findings. I like the look of gold, but gold-filled pieces are too expensive for me at this point.

    Also, when I went there and they happened to be out of what I need, they offered to take my number and call me when the item came in. I appreciate that level of involvement with customers.

  • Review from Rob P.

    • 3 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/10/2011

    I was given a Groupon gift to take a class here. Carson, the owner was very kind about getting me into a class before the Groupon expired. As a fairly sophisticated beader who has frequented this store for many years, I admit that finding a class was a challenge due to schedule and interest.

    I have spent a lot of coin in this store since it opened. But I have taken most of my classes around the country. Doing beadwork is really aided by having someone guide you as magazines, books and internet videos can make something seem really simple but it isn't. Wrapped loops, for example, need practice before you start doing them on sterling. Get your foundations down first and decide if this hobby is for you. (Knitting, I have learned, is not my gig.)

    The class is a bit challenging though to fairly evaluate because the instructor had lost her voice and she was co-teaching with a colleague. So we had a lot of one-and-one attention. I took the "MYO Post Class" which had caught my eye for awhile. Content wise, they did deliver, but it was rushed. I think two projects instead of three would have been just fine with me. I found them both friendly and exceptionally helpful.

    They did provide written instructions, which is a big thumbs up for me. I hate it when a class does not do this.

    What I don't like (and I apply this generally to all classes) is that I want the tools lists up front. I don't sign up for classes when the staff are not able to provide this information (and often they don't seem to know.) Related to this is being able to purchase the products needed to continue the project-have them in stock! If we are going to use a jig, make sure that there are jigs to purchase!! I went to a class at Bead & Pearl (in Newton) which "barely" had the resources to even have the class.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      5/4/2011

      Very difficult to use my Groupon. All the classes were full. You have to call in and can't reserve… Read more »

    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 5/5/2011   
    Rob, Our current Groupon Promotion does expire May 31st,… More »
  • Review from Jen X.

    • 6 friends
    • 72 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    1.0 star rating
    4/29/2011

    They didn't have the color of beads I needed to repair a beaded dress. When I asked what other bead stores I could check around Boston, the employee told me to do a Google search. Give me a break. I'm not going to support a business so greedy and desperate not to mention its competitors' names that it won't help out its customers.

    Responding to the owner's comment below: I can't believe that you are going to defend your employees over this. There really aren't many bead stores in Boston, and I would hope your employees are familiar with the few that do exist. It is pretty trivial for me to google to find more bead stores, but when I ask a simple question about what other stores might have seed beads in a color you don't carry, I'd expect more of a response than "you're on your own - try google." This is terrible customer service, and it has nothing to do with whether you have computers on the sales floor.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 4/29/2011   
    Dear Jen, I am sorry that the Boston Bead Company did not… More »
  • Review from Rebecca W.

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Newton, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/27/2011

    I must admit that I am not an avid "beader"; but given that I am an artistically inclined person, I have journeyed to Boston Bead Co. several times and each time has been a very good experience.
    I never have an exact project in mind when I I walk through the door, but the salespeople are always more than willing to let me bounce ideas off of them or lend helpful advice when I'm about to bite off more than I can chew. Yes, they are a little pricey, but every time I shop there I feel confident I am going to leave with an achievable project that I will love to do, and to wear.
    Overall, I would say BBC is great for newbies and seasoned "beaders" alike.

  • Review from Erica T.

    • 44 friends
    • 77 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2011

    This was my first stop in, and I will admit it was more of a help out a friend in need of lunch money stop. But me being me, I was quickly distracted by the super awesome beads, particularly the skulls. And before I could help myself, I was envisioning a headhunter necklace in technicolor, with Amy at my side, suggesting everything I needed-- keeping my budget and wants in mind. She was super helpful in showing me the techniques I needed, and offered that I could make my necklace in the shop.

    And then I walked out with a kickass necklace and a head full of ideas for more jewelry that I could make--a lot cheaper without sacrificing quality. And to be honest, at least I know the quality in my jewelry I make from there is with quality products. You don't really know when you buy one in a store if it'll break next week.

    I can't wait to go back for some classes--they looked really interesting and I know the staff is nice and ridiculously knowledgeable.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 5/10/2011   
    Thank you for your kind review of Boston Bead Company.  We… More »
  • Review from Lady N.

    • 1 friend
    • 21 reviews

    Suffolk, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/25/2011

    They have a large selection of just about everything you can imagine. The staff are always friendly and helpful if you tell them what it is you need- the manager assisted me with completing my necklace. Thank you!!!

    It's one of my favorite places to go on a rainy day or when I'm bopping about Harvard Sqaure during the nice weather. Thanks Boston Bead Company!!!

  • Review from V J.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Medford, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/13/2011

    I make a point of shopping local and you should, too.

    Why? Staff is always helpful. Selection out of this world. Not everyone is going to have the exact same thing you do. And they stock quality materials.

    Sure you could go buy bulk beads at Michael's or AC Moore & if that's your style then go for it. BUT for the discerning jewelry maker you really ought to come here. All the beautiful beads and findings will not only make you want to create something on the spot but will also inspire you to create a million other things. There are areas of the country where your only choice is a big box store, we are so very lucky to have CHOICE!

    So go to the Boston Bead Company - you'll find more than you were looking for. And for the haters out there - really? I think you were at a different store.

  • Review from Rebecca R.

    • 29 friends
    • 69 reviews

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    8/10/2010

    Half the times I've been in here, the staff have been unfriendly and unhelpful.
    The other half they've been very friendly and somewhat helpful.

    These last two times they were markedly friendlier and far more motivated than usual - to get me more of the beads I'm already using - although I don't know why I couldn't buy beads from their Salem store through them and have them sent to me... but whatever, I got them the next day and had a T pass for all the trips, so I'm fine with that.

    I still wouldn't buy anything I couldn't find cheaper somewhere else in Boston (*cough* Swarovskis - Windsor Button), but if I need size 6 or 8 seed beads to match my yarn exactly, or just something completely different, I can see returning here.

    Especially if they get more Japanese seed beads - these are the ones for knitters according to ravelry, and if it means half the package isn't unusable, I understand why.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 8/24/2010   
    As painful as it is to receive such a candid review of our… More »
  • Review from Bridget M.

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/20/2008

    I know everyone says they are pricey, but compared to some of the other bead shops I've hit lately, Beadworks seems practically discount in price (if we ignore Michaels or AC Moore)

    Tons of beads, a huge selection, some awesome stuff, some mediocre stuff, but a very helpful staff.

    My only complaint is that they do not offer a course in a wireworking technique I want to try, I'm hoping to see if I can have a private lesson instead.

  • Review from Erica S.

    • 260 friends
    • 357 reviews

    Media, PA

    3.0 star rating
    8/1/2008

    Blah.... I seriously only come here when I really need something specific, and fast. And then I suck it up and pay their prices... and that's only when they even have what I'm looking for.

    I do NOT intend for this to sound snobby, and apologize if it does-- but I feel like this place probably seems great for the less-seasoned jeweler, but once you know your stones, your metals, and are looking things that are more unique and high quality, you should run for the hills!

    I can't seem to find anything particularly unique here, though I stop in for staples from time to time-- crimp beads, clasps, small amounts of gemstones or glass. Beads are expensive everywhere when you buy then one by one, so I guess I can't complain there. However, I'm totally outraged by their chain and wire prices. I also don't find their slection of strands of beads (generally cheaper since you're buying them in bulk) too impressive-- actually I think Spark (in Porter Square) has a more diverse selection of strands.

    So I'd say go here if you're crafting and working on just a couple small projects, but buy wholesale, online, at trunk shows, or at gemstone expos if you want the good stuff without being ripped off.

  • Review from Kiwi H.

    • 323 friends
    • 953 reviews

    London

    UK
    4.0 star rating
    5/7/2008

    For some reason, I prefer this Beadworks store to the Newbury St. location. Maybe it's because this was the first one I visited, so there's loyalty and memory. This store feels smaller in size than the Newbury location, certainly more snug, but I always feel like there's more choice here for some reason.

    It doesn't have a crafting area as large as the Newbury one (at least compared to that giant table), and while I agree that the Newbury location often reveals new finds to me as I make second, even third or fourth turns around the store and delve into the back, this place always just seems to have more choice for me. Or at least, more choice suited to me. I guess I just have a tendency to like more of the beads I've seen at the Harvard location than the Newbury one. I've 'gotten lucky' going home with a big bag of beads at the Harvard stop much more often than the Newbury one anyway.

    The staff here are really friendly. The Back Bay store's employees are also nice, but here I feel as though they're really helpful (without being pushy, which the other Beadworks isn't either thankfully) and very warm, it just feels easy to talk to them and ask them questions if need be.

    It can get expensive (depending on which pieces you choose, though), that's true, but the quality of most of their beads (and other related goodies) is excellent, and they've got a lot of great stuff here. They often have some already-made stuff hanging between the bead drawers, and it's very often something pretty enough to want to buy - it's great for inspiration, or motivation to replicate with something similar. Beads can cost a pretty penny if you're paying for good quality ones, I accept that, and as long as I pick and choose wisely (impulse buys in mass quantities here = dangerous for me) I'm fine with the prices. And they have some beautiful pieces - some that make me sigh 'ooh', and others that just look so delicious I almost want to eat them (but I don't).

    Great place to go to let your creative side run wild if you've got an interest in beading, or any sort of artistic venture that could include beads, ribbons, bits of metal and many lovely things. Whether there just to ogle the pretty stuff, get creative with self-made jewellery, learn in their classes, get supplies for other related activities or get beads for something else entirely like sewing them on to spruce up an otherwise simple piece of clothing, I love this place.

  • Review from Lindsey M.

    • 28 friends
    • 128 reviews

    Brookline, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/7/2006

    I've always loved bead works. They have a ravishing selection of beads (antique, glass, crystals, plastic, etc..) clasps, wires, strings, tools and knowledgeable and helpful staff.The beads are sectored by color and individually priced accordingly. They have trays, so you choose everything buffet style.  Even those new to beading, grab a coffee next door, select your beads and get creative. Sit at one of the back tables and work there, it's nice to have staff near-bye to assist.

    * REMEMBER, prices are not dirt cheap and the beads do add up. If your like me and get completely overwhelmed by fabulous art supplies-your bound to get side tracked by all the beautiful beads and lured into a trance- So decide what you want to do first and stick with the plan!

  • Review from Dana B.

    • 39 friends
    • 320 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    4.0 star rating
    7/10/2007

    There was an absolute amazing amount of glorious beads spread out all through the store. Beads I never even knew existed and are very unique. Walking through there really helps spark my creativity. I only wish that they had more working space in case people wanted to hang out and work.

    Some of the beads are really expensive and some are pretty cheap. Just be prepared to be a little wowed by the prices if you've never been to a real bead store before.

  • Review from Richard F.

    • 45 friends
    • 180 reviews

    Malden, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/23/2006

    i completely forgot about this place until i saw it here on yelp.
    my friend Julia loves this place and she recommended it to me and we went together.
    It's not too big, but it's really fun, cheap, and original.
    she made me an awesome hemp necklace and it's lasted me years.
    I kind of want to go back there right now.
    too bad i'm at work :(

  • Review from Lady Fang Y.

    • 30 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    8/12/2007

    I LOVE love love love this place. It was because of this store I started making and selling jewelry. The selection is wonderful, helpful staff. And jewelry making is jsut one of those hobbies no one really has to teach you, its all your own. I started imitating jewelry I wanted to buy, as I made them and wore them, my friends wanted them, and I just started creating original pieces.

    I would spend hours, no exaggerating, 3-4 HOURS, finding the perfect items, jump rings, chain, tools, wires, beads, sketching ideas, charms. It was a great creative outlet. A quiet place, no one bothered me and I was free to take my time and ask questions at my leisure.

    It is a lil pricey, but for the selection it was well worth it.

    YAAAAAAAAAAY!

    I am also a frequent beader member, $20 for every $200 spent,\. Believe you me, it goes fast.

  • Review from Katie R.

    • 37 friends
    • 101 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    4.0 star rating
    8/16/2009

    What don't I like about Beadworks? I often get the "friendly" vibe from the employees, but it's a rare day that they can answer my questions (can you special order things? when will the next shipment be coming in?). I wish the store stayed better-stocked, I wish there were  a wider selection of higher-end materials, and that the seed beads were offered in larger quantities at a better price.

    That being said, the shop is a goldmine nestled in Harvard Square for anyone who does basic beading and jewelry-making. It may not satisfy someone working on the high-end of things, and their stock of tools and findings is limited to the essentials, but I've found exactly what I needed to finish projects, restring necklaces, and make little gifts on numerous occasions.

  • Review from Michael O.

    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/28/2011

    Visited during week of Christmas with my girlfriend and got my mom some nice beads for Christmas.  Should check out when in the area. Friendly and helpful workers.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 12/29/2011   
    Thanks for stopping in Michael.  We are happy you found some… More »
  • Review from John A.

    • 6 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Stoneham, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/20/2011

    Super friendly staff, very knowledgable. I know nothing about bead but my daughter has really expressed an interest and went here to get some direction on how to get my budding artist started and was treated wonderfully from the moment I walked in. Explanations on different classes she could take, projects we could work on together and a ridiculous selection. Didn't spend a dime(yet) however was treated as a paying customer which in Cambridge doesn't always happen. Looking forward to doing business on the regular with these fine folks.

  • Review from Lala B.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/19/2011

    I don't think I've ever walked into this store and not purchased something. I sometimes wander in just because I want to see something pretty especially these days with all the rain. The stacks of seed bead vials are better than candy. I also really appreciate how organized everything is. You can look around and find everything without asking for help but when you need help it's available. And there really is something for everyone: beautiful semi-precious stones and vintage finds as well as horn and stone. And you can find those plastic earring back stops so you don't look your earrings. They don't even have those at CVS!

  • Review from Ginger B.

    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/12/2011

    I have been shopping at Boston Bead Company for quite some time and I have to say that it is hands down one of the best shops around!!  I like that they have a nice range of findings from 14k and Sterling to a range of Base metals and Plated. They also have lots of beads...of course!! I'm a big fan of their semi- precious stones. In my opinion prices are reasonable too. I've never had an issue with bad customer service, the staff has always been eager to help me with my questions or cut my 20 yrds of 5 colors of silk (which I know is a pain)! Overall in the 8 years I've shopped here I have enjoyed each and every experience.

  • Review from Anne N.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Boston, MA

    1.0 star rating
    4/28/2011

    I usually don't bother to write reviews, but this place is terrible as far as customer service is concerned. The staff is unfriendly and not very helpful.

    Not to mention the prices. Buy online folks, you'll get WAY better deals and a MUCH better selection. This place is always hit or miss as far as having a good amount of beads/supplies in stock, and most of the time, it's a miss.

    I only come here in a pinch and usually they don't have what I need anyway, so I'm not even sure why I bother. :\

    Shop elsewhere, you'll be happy you did.

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    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 4/29/2011   
    Dear "Anne",  SInce I have not heard from you after I… More »
  • Review from Diana G.

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    1/9/2008

    This store is exactly the same as the one on Newbury Street. Over-priced, and very limited selection of seed beads... :/

  • Review from Su R.

    Somerville, MA

    3.0 star rating
    9/19/2010

    Definitely a place that will keep you coming back if you love beading. however- expensive, and not the most unique beads on the planet. Don't get me wrong, the selection is terrific and you're bound to find something you really like, i've just been to places with very unique findings. This is def a good place to come for help with repairs or buying standard items, like chain, ribbon, or clasps. Somehow they have changed names from beadworks, yet we don't know exactly why since everything seems the same, hmmm

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    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 9/19/2010   
    After twenty years we have chosen not to renew our Beadworks… More »
  • Review from Jen J.

    • 4 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Allston, MA

    2.0 star rating
    6/24/2008

    It's too expensive.  I'm usually willing to pay more for quality, but only if there's also an option to pay less for lower quality, and here everything's top dollar.  There's no reason to pay that much more for seed beads that you can get online way cheaper.  Plus, while they have nice shiny distracting beads, they lack some essentials, like spools of silk for stringing- they only sell by the yard or on cards, which is much more expensive unless you're only doing a project or two.  They don't seem to cater to people who do a high volume of beading.

  • Review from d s.

    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/1/2011

    great way to spend time with your kids. We need one on Beacon Hill

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 9/1/2011   
    Greetings! Thanks so much for visiting our Harvard Square… More »
  • Review from K. E.

    • 3 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Salem, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/7/2010

    I absolutely love this store! The staff is super friendly, the beads are always new and exciting, and compared to lots of other beads stores in the area, the prices are extremely reasonable. I will definitely be purchasing supplies to make all my holiday gifts here!

  • Review from Jennafir O.

    • 24 friends
    • 150 reviews

    Allston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    1/31/2009

    I went here on a cold january day. It was busy, but the sales people were fabulous. they stopped to teach me how to make a necklace (my skills are about as good as a two year olds) even with the hustle and bustle of all. I learned how to cut and repair the chain to make a kickin necklace. Two in fact. for only 7 dollars. I was quite content. the choices were nice, though i haven't been to Newbury, I did well. After over an hour, i was ready to leave and wanting to go back in to make more, even if my fine motor skills show my lack of skill. If you want a unique necklace and have a couple hours to kill, go here. I plan on returning for my own amusement.

  • Review from Sarah A.

    Brookline, MA

    3.0 star rating
    6/7/2010

    So, I am not crazy into beading, but I if I spy a cool looking bead or stone, I might be inclined to put some wire around it and turn it into a pendant. I had found a cool stone in another store and came into Beadworks looking for the appropriate wire for my creation. They had a good selection of sterling silver wire that I didn't feel was that insanely priced. The staff was friendly and helpful. I wish they had more larger stones and beads here, however, that could easily be converted into a pendant with some wire, that's more my speed. I do not have the patience for stringing all those little tiny beads.

  • Review from K. F.

    • 3 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Louisville, CO

    5.0 star rating
    3/10/2006

    I had wanted to buy a pair of earrings at a store in Breckenridge, CO last summer and they were $50.00. I decided to wait on them. Then I went to Beadworks the other day on a whim and made a pair of earrings just like the ones I wanted. The total: $6.00! Length of time to make them: 5 minutes! Walked out with a great pair of earrings! They loan you a packet of all the tools you need to make your jewelry if you want to make them in the store. Friendly staff too.

  • Review from Cate K.

    • 54 friends
    • 132 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    2.0 star rating
    9/7/2008

    For some reason I find their Harvard Square location greatly inferior to the Newbury Street spot. They don't seem to have as nice a selection of beads, and the way they have the stands organized makes it hard to navigate without bumping into people.  The selection also doesn't seem as intriguing.  All told I never get inspired here, but it's worth going to if you're in the area and ABSOLUTELY MUST BE BEADING RIGHT NOW... as sometimes happens.

  • Review from Stephanie H.

    • 19 friends
    • 80 reviews

    Oak Cliff, TX

    5.0 star rating
    6/6/2009

    Whenever I go out of town, I have to stop at the local bead shops to check things out. As small as the space is, I spent over an hour of joyful fun checking out Beadworks. The selection was amazing and, as a jewelry designer and business owner, I found some things that I haven't seen at shows or with my wholesalers. My favorite bead shop to date! Too bad I'm a thousand miles away in Dallas.

  • Review from Heather C.

    • 4 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    3.0 star rating
    1/4/2010

    Good for basic beads, or if you just want to browse until you find something that catches your eye.  Call ahead if you are looking for something specific or if you need a large quantity of something because their inventory is small and there are often empty bins where popular beads should be.  The people are really nice.  The organization is mostly by color so it's easy to follow.

  • Review from JJ H.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/22/2010

    This place has a great selection of beads, findings (in a wide range of metals--silver, gold, copper, etc), wire in all different gauges, and types of string/fishing line/etc. They quite the large selection of swarovski crystals, natural stones, big plastic beads, and funky stuff. The staff is usually helpful when you ask for help on something. If you are making something large though, it does add up and can get quite pricey.

    One thing I wished they had was titanium findings. I'm pretty allergic to nickel and even their sterling silver and plated gold doesn't cut it. I've resorted to buying my own titanium wire and just bringing it to the store.

  • Review from Bri T.

    • 6 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    11/10/2009

    I am a beginner jewelery maker ... but I think this is a good store to pick up the basic accessories. I found all the materials I needed and some cool beads (I also found the exact bead to replace an earring I had lost that was purchased in Thailand -- globalization is crazy!) The staff was helpful and allowed me to use their tools to fix an earring and give me pointers on how to do it.

  • Review from Sarah D.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    1.0 star rating
    7/21/2011

    I usually don't write these, and maybe the heat made me less inclined to deal with bullshit, but I will never return to this store.  I actually bead, but today I just needed some little cheap brass rings to fill in as stitch markers for a shawl I am knitting.  The place I usually get them from is out for the next 1-2 months.  The salesperson, who was passably friendly at first, was reluctant to help once I told her what I was looking for.  She also seemed annoyed that I asked for the cheapest rings and bulk pricing, even though I explained why I needed them.  Since there is no bulk pricing, my intended purchase of 200 or so became totally cost prohibitive.  The cheapest ones were priced 5 for $0.50, equaling $20!  I can get 200 for $4 at my usual place.  I'll just wait.  Another thing that soured me on the store was the fact that everything was packaged in little plastic bags.  5 little rings in a plastic baggie?  Wasteful.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 7/22/2011   
    Dear Sarah,  I'm sorry that we do not stock the particular… More »
  • Review from Dani M.

    • 0 friends
    • 199 reviews

    Barcelona

    Spain
    3.0 star rating
    3/16/2009

    This review is strictly for materials only, as the customer service here is pretty much non existent. I shop here quite frequently, as my rewards cards will promptly prove. They have, by far, a much higher quality selection of beads and many more semi-precious stones than at their sister store on Newbury (which is pretty much a haven for Swarovski and cheap-o beads). They also do a much better job of labeling and organizing, I think. The only disappointment, as with pretty much any store in an historic area in MA, is that it's too small. I usually take a peak when I walk by, and only go in if the place is empty for fear of getting elbowed constantly. I also wish they carried more sterling silver charms and fitting, as well as ANY solid gold. Gold and silver plated just do not cut it for me, and gold filled is a sad alternative as well. I've been doing most of my shopping at http://artbeads.com because of an increase in prices at BW, and because this site offers free shipping regardless of amount purchased as well as a broad SS selection. I keep coming back to BW for actual beads, as they can be deceiving online. They also have a good inventory of pliers/cutters, fun chain and a basket of odds & ends that always has something cool mixed in. Pretty much a decent attempt at a bead store, but I really only shop here because there's not much else to choose from.

  • Review from Elizabeth S.

    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/14/2010

    I went there today to buy a new clasp for a necklace - they had a very good selection and the staff was very patient and helpful - someone even put the clasp on for me!

  • Review from shirley v.

    • 7 friends
    • 1 review

    Somerville, MA

    1.0 star rating
    5/10/2011

    If I can sway just one person to try another place, that is fine. I recently went to Boston Bead Company to purchase beads to fix a dress. I found two colors that seemed close to the beads on the dress but I couldn't get a good read on the colors after staring at them for awhile. I asked one of the employees their opinion. She reluctantly stopped pacing the store  and pointed to one of the colors, "that one", she said. I wasn't sure about it, but in that light, the color seemed to work . I brought the beads to the tailor about a week later and the color was completely off. The lighting in Boston Bead Company is horrible! If you need to match anything ask to take it to a better light source and don't trust their options because they are looking at it from the same awful lighting.  What's worse is that I couldn't return the beads because I was a few days past the return policy. Boston Bead Company fix your lighting, fix your return policy, and fix your attitudes.

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    Comment from Carson E. of Boston Bead Company 6/21/2011   
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