Beads of Paradise

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JaqueD103

Joined 4 years ago

A Great Find!. I made my way into this store while on vacation to New York. I have been making jewelry as a hobby for awhile, and this popped up first when google-ing stores in NY.

I was blown away by the decor of the store and amazed by how much they had. While a few things seemed familiar from my local bead stores back home., the majority blew me away. The stones, antique trade beads, and unique artifacts were like nothing I had ever seen.

The staff was so helpful in informing me of their products - and what they didn't know off hand due to the huge selection - they tried hard to find out all they could. I left with a history of all my purchases.

This store is a gem for anyone - not just jewelry designers - for anyone looking for a unique treasure!

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vermilliondiamond

Joined 7 years ago

More than a bead store......... I'm a jewelry and bead fiend, so when I find a place I like, I like to spread the good word.

The staff there was certainly kind and helpful, but I thought they went out of their way to offer suggestions and tips, as well as showing me whatever I wanted. One girl even showed me how to clasp my own stuff which was teriffic. Watching what she was making for another customer gave me even better ideas to make my own.

I bought mostly beads, although they seem to have lots of antiques and fabrics and house stuff too. I saw some pretty unusual stuff that I haven't seen in other beads stores in a long time; trade beads and such that I don't always buy, but was surprised they could still get the really great stuff. I thought the prices were within reason for the high quality they had.

I bought mostly semi-P strands to make for myself and a couple gifts. Quality was alot higher that the midtown places, and I got alot of help picking and suggestions what to do. And they had all the supplies I needed right there.

I give it a good rating based on my own experience there, and felt very positive about the store and going back again. Even though it was very busy, I would say I still got alot of attention and no, they made no mistakes at checkout. It was a nice treat.

Doesn't Recommend

cadicegarcia

Joined 7 years ago

poooor customer service. Just like what the other ratings say. Way over priced, and poor customer service. Too bad, not all clerks were like this in the store. I had to wait for my card payment to clear for 15 minutes only because the first clerk forgot to include the tax. The second clerk neglected to inform me what the new total $$ was, and swiped my card again. I patiently waited without making a 'fuss'. Then, they completely forgot to hand me what I waited and paid for. I definitely do not need to go there again.

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eastvillagelife

Joined 7 years ago

New York City Gem. I got turned on to Beads of Pardaise thru this site, and have been hooked ever since.

Although "cheap" or "bulk" are not words that apply to this store, the selection is very diverse, and for an avid bead collector like myself..........heaven! It is also one stop shopping for me because of the wide range of trade beads, unusual glass beads, gemstones ect. but also Buddhist amulets and prayer beads, silks, lacquer (gifts for all my friends)!, and collectible/ antiques, which are not my personal passion but I love to appreciate them there. The staff is very helpful and I felt attentive to my questions and needs. I asked one clerk who told me the store was around for twenty years!!!! already....I guess that says alot about the quality of this store! I personally love it and highy recommend it!

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theresa2104

Joined 8 years ago

Very Overpriced. Everyone was very nice but I thought that everything was WAY overpriced....to the point of ridiculous. They had some beautiful beads and it was quite an experience, but awfully expensive.

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atroposwhispered

Joined 9 years ago

Worth seeing. I just went to this shop based on the reviews. I've had my fill of "snotty" folk in my day and was curious to see how true it was in this case. The folk were not snotty at all. Perhaps work oriented, but certainly not snotty. The salepeople were very happy to help me out and seemed to have fun helping me find beads to match the stone I brought with me. The store was very colorful and I may just go back to buy some of the exquisite jewelry they have on display. As for the prices..they really were too high for my tastes. I still bought what they had anyway because it was exactly what I wanted...and I have out-there tastes. You'll want to carry about $60 with you, give or take.

Doesn't Recommend

britneyismyhero

Joined 9 years ago

awful class. i took a saturday afternoon class here a few weeks ago and had a miserable time. the instructor may have been a lovely jewelry-maker, but she was definitely not a good teacher and could not clearly get her point across to a group of seven. even worse, she was rude and dismissive when asked to further explain what she was teaching. it was a frustrating experience, and i wouldn't recommend the classes to anyone.

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lolazola

Joined 9 years ago

more than just beads & lots of paradise!. I love beads of paradise. It's worth a visit just to soak in all the gorgeous colors and unusual pieces of jewelry, textiles, laquer bowls, devotional items, African hair salon signs...etc. I have never had a bad experience with any of the salespeople, everyone has always been friendly and relaxed. And I wouldn't particularly care if they weren't so nice - the store is that beautiful and unusual. I believe they also offer a jewelry making class. And there is a wide range of prices, even for us folks with great tastes and light wallets!

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

African bazaar meets craft store in a visually overwhelming environment.. The Scene
You'll feel like Dorothy in Oz as soon as you step inside this small shop near Union Square: Piles of glass, ceramic, stone and metal beads sparkle from counters and glass cases, while bright silk scarves, tribal jewelry, African barbershop signs and decorative sculpture take up any remaining bits of space. Color is the only discernible organizing principle.

The Goods
Beads are sold in strings or tubes as well as individually, depending on size and value. If you don't know a flex cord from a crimp knot but somehow find yourself leaving with several necklaces' worth of materials, don't be surprised--but don't worry, either: The store offers courses in various stringing techniques. Or, for the right price, you can take home a pro's finished handiwork.

Doesn't Recommend

river22

Joined 10 years ago

poor customer service. Beautiful in color but too cluttered & overwhelming.

This store has great merchandise but rediculously overpriced and the manager, she was very snotty and not helpful whatsoever. I got such a negative vibe visiting this store, would'nt recommend to any of my friends. The prices of beads there are a rip off!