The Bead Gallery

I guess I haven’t reviewed this place before, but I’ve been here multiple times — when I was a UM student, I used to go all the time, back when they had the 2^nd floor shop too, and now, post-​degree, I still go here.
I stopped in today because one of the «jewels» (fake) on my earrings had fallen out, and I wanted to see if they could repair it. They were able to glue it back in for $ 5 (I had tried glueing it back in previously but I guess you have to scrape the old glue out first) and even though they were busy, they finished it for me in about 15 minutes.
I’ve come here before to re-​string a necklace too, and I’ve bought many pairs of earrings from here. Great shop in downtown Ann Arbor.

Had a great time today, spent way to much money but the nice lady Lola showed me how to do a clamp correctly. Because of that the service was great! Only downside is the parking!

This store is just wonderful, for the exceptional array of art and the people who are so generous with their knowledge, attention, and time.
This is the first time I am making a necklace, for a friend’s baby shower. Courtney (sp?) not only taught me how to resolve a technical issue, she offered further assistance in case I didn’t want to invest in buying my own tools. It really isn’t worth spending that money just to make one necklace — I appreciate that she really put my needs first.
I was there an hour before closing and ran out of time. Up until the last minute, another staff member helped me pick out beads efficiently and patiently. After I left, I realized that they had waited for me for several minutes after closing time. I don’t want this to happen again, but I truly appreciate how she was balancing respect for the staff’s time as well as generosity toward their customer.
For anyone who’s into making jewelry, this is an incredibly professional store that offers a beautiful, vast range of options and the kind of service that’s based on valuing people.

I wasn’t a bead person until I discovered The Bead Gallery. You’ll see every color of rock, metal, crystal, glass and plastic on (and off) the color wheel. From funky to sophisticated, they’ll have everything you need (and even things you didn’t know you’d need), plus, the staff is knowledgable and willing to lend their opinion.
Aside from the beads and accessories, check out their line of fairy doors and the various items that decorate them (see photo). Fairy doors are not specific to Ann Arbor but they are difficult to find in cities and only a select few feed into this type of following. You can Google ‘fairy doors Ann Arbor’ to learn more.
Another thing worth mentioning is the clothes rack they now have. So just when you were wondering, ‘what could I wear with these beads?’, you can find just the right matching top or skirt. I’ve only seen clothing items geared towards females and no plus sizes so far.
All in all, The Bead Gallery is a delightful sight to the eyes and an even more adventurous ride to make something that fits you or that special someone. I’ll be back for sure!

Very helpful staff. Anything bead-​related, you should be able to find here. Parking can be tough. They do have 2 spots next to the «house» or you’ll have to find a meter.

This is one of my favorite bead stores. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful if you ask. I love the VIP card and the different sales. Do yourself a favor and «like» them on facebook. I’ve received VERY good perks just from leaving them a comment. I have found items in this store I don’t see ANYWHERE else. As far as overall prices… it’s a specialty shop! It’s not outrageous. A true addict knows this… lol
I love this place.

Hello all,
I just had to update my review of this great bead gallery because I noticed that someone had written that «you should avoid going there if at all possible» and that the «staff is really rude and almost acted annoyed». I have to say that in all of my 6 – 7 years of being a maker of and creator /​designer of Jewelry that I have NEVER EVER experienced the girls in there being anything but pleasant, talkative, storytelling, kind, alert, knowledgable and very artistic! They always take the time to help if you take the time to ask. They may not always notice because they are very busy fixing, making, designing jewelry for the store and for other people who’ve ordered special items. They are so nice if you ever take the chance to talk to these girls, most of them are college girls and just as sweet and talkative and kind as they can be! They are always helpful and I’ve seen them be such to others also.
I just have to add that they have a huge huge selection of beads and everything from Swarovski crystals from 3 mm gems to large and small hearts, crosses, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm stones and they have African clay beads and Polymer clay beads. They have shells, crystals, wooden beads and so much more! Alot of different «findings» and charms and chains in bulk to choose from also! They will help you find anything you ask for and they are really really kind and helpful. And… NO…I am not related to anyone there, nor does any one I know «Personally» work there, I am just a customer who loves them and feels they do a great job too! They make their own jewelry, design it and sell it also! They will get things if they don’t have it for you as one gentleman said on here below.
The prices are a tad bit high, but if you buy a card one time fee of 20.00 and then only $ 10.00 per year after that, you get 15% off every day off of everything PLUS whatever their special «sale of the day» is, such as the «student» sale on Sundays and «findings for jewelry» on Tuesdays I believe! One time I had won some African clay beads at a gem and jewlery show and I knew I would not use them because I don’t work with such beads. I took them to the owner of the store and she saw how much they were by the price tag and she gave me a store credit for them and then they sold the beads and kept the money from the sale. Now I don’t think this is a normal practice on their part, but they did do it for me because I am a greatful customer who comes in weekly to look and to buy and they know me now. They trusted me and took the beads from me and gave me store credit. So I wouldn’t go there to try and do that, not unless you have been going there for many years and feel at «home» there and know everyone… but I just had to tell you how great they are and helpful they are and I’ve seen them sometimes take a long time with one customer because they do their best in trying to help everyone. YOu just really have to be patient and then when it comes to your turn you will also get the same great treatment, attention in return, that you want and deserve!
I totally love this store and recommend it to anyone and everyone who needs beads and supplies. They have good quality which is worth paying for at times! Thanks everyone!
Suzanne

I have been here quite a few times since moving to A2. As everyone has said they have a great selection with beads but if you are into metal working they actually have a little selection with that as well. I have been taking a metal working jewelry class through rec and ed and needed some sheet metal. I talked with the ladies there who were all helpful but Angie really went above and beyond. They had a little sheet metal there but I needed a thicker gage. She actually went to another store in Livonia and bought me the gage I needed and brought it the next day to the Bead Gallery! I thought that she really went above and beyond which is so rare.

They are a great family owned business and I really enjoy shopping there.

I’ve never experienced exceptional service here, and I often find the prices on items confusing. Especially when the items aren’t marked.
Maybe I’ve gone on off days, but the staff always seemed annoyed.

As others have mentioned, the best thing about this bead store is the size of the selection. There are several really nice small bead stores in the Ann Arbor/​Ypsilanti area, but this is the largest I’ve been to. In addition to the beads, they carry a variety of wires and threads, scissors, clasps, beading books and more
A couple things that make the store unique besides the size of the store and the large selection: they have a suggestion box and special theme sale days. The selection box is just a shoe box near the front where you can leave a slip of paper suggesting goods or supplies they should carry. And they have special discount days. One day of the week seniors get a discount. Another day of the week, metal findings are discounted. Another day is discount day for students, and so on.
They also have a rather extensive list of classes you can take, four pages long!

This is, by far, the best-​stocked bead store I’ve been to — and I’ve been to a lot! They’ve got a great selection, from metal chandelier earring pieces to strings of precious stones. The staff is knowledgeable, not always necessarily the most friendly… but they know what’s going on. They’ll help repair broken pieces if you can’t do it yourself or they’ll help make suggestions for what you’re trying to create. Get ideas from the jewelry that hangs around the store (that’s also for sale). I also get lots of ideas at the mall — find great beaded jewelry in Bebe, Macy’s, etc. and just take mental notes then head to the Bead Gallery to recreate it! Little things add up though, so be sure to only buy what you need or you’ll leave with a little tiny bag and a lot less cash.
If you’re into the Swarovski crystals you may want to check out Pam’s Bead Garden in Plymouth. They’re about ½ the price as the Bead Gallery and they’ve got a lot more (sizes, shapes, etc.)
There are discounts on different beads every month and also different days of the week. For example, I think seniors (over 55) get 15% off on Wednesdays now!
BOTTOM LINE: A great shop to browse around in, you’ll be inspired just by looking.

I absolutely love this store! I went to a jewelry making workshop a couple of weeks ago at a friend’s private home, and really enjoyed myself. So, I stopped into this store the following week and the women that worked there (Lolo and Lacey) in addition to the owner were absolutely fabulous. I told them I was new at craft of jewelry-​making, and they showed me around the store, gave me a great deal on tools, and helped me design a few of my first pieces. They actually sat down with me to help me make them as well, giving me pointers along the way. The upstairs to the store has many great finds – including unique dresses, jewelry (made from the women in the store!), and a variety of shoes. A great find! Definitely stop in.

I go in here from time to time because I need some small item like a leather string for a medallion. I come out vowing to take up jewelry-​making. I fantasize about the imaginative necklaces I will assemble from the wonderful beads and colorful stringing strings. Then I leave and forget about it.
The store is designed to make you really want to become a craftsperson. Cool!