If I could give zero or negative stars, I would. This store and its ownership lack any semblance of business integrity or savvy. Shop there at your own risk, but I recommend you don't. Loads of other small business bead shops in the Chicagoland area won't scam and condescend to you. Visit #1 - Joe helped me select some beads and supplies, totaling $322. Toward the end, it got hectic, and all employees were preoccupied. I needed to get somewhere, and I had some questions to ask before finalizing my purchase. I eventually gave up, realizing they were too busy, and decided to purchase the items I had and return if I needed more. I told Joe I needed to leave to get somewhere on time and I'd like to check out. Instead of beginning the checkout process, he upsold me on other items. The checkout process took 15 minutes as they do not have an electronic register and process transactions manually. At no point did Joe mention that the checkout process would take longer than is typical when I said I needed to leave. I felt like I wasn't listened to and was being sold to without regard for my time or business. Throughout our interaction, I mentioned that I was new to beading and was purchasing supplies for a jewelry-making party. I mentioned that I wasn't sure I needed all these supplies and may need to return some. At no point did anybody mention the return policy is store credit or exchange only. Visit 2 - A week later, I had returns to make, about $99 worth. I called to ask about the return policy and was informed it was only an exchange or store credit. I politely asked if an exception could be made, considering this was not communicated before completing my purchase. The person I spoke with said she would ask the owner and call me back. They never called me back. I went in person with my boyfriend and we spoke with Joe. I told him I had items I needed to return and asked if it would be possible for an exception to be made to the policy, since I wasn't told the policy before they completed my transaction. He said no, that they only offer exchange and store credit. When I asked why an exception couldn't be made, he said, "Because that's how we've always done it." My boyfriend asked again if he would consider making an exception and Joe said he would ask Ayla. He went to the back to ask and returned, saying that Ayla said they would make an exception. I was appreciative, and we went to the counter to process the return. He used the card reader to attempt a return but kept getting an error message, and he said he did not know how to process a return. Regardless of whether a business offers returns/refunds, it is essential to understand the key functions of your systems. Eventually, we gave up trying to process the return, and he once again offered store credit and explained that the return policy was on their receipts. I told him that having the return policy only listed on the receipt and nowhere else when the return policy is no returns is not helpful because, at that point, the transaction is complete, and nothing can be done. This does not allow people to decide whether they want to make a non-returnable purchase. He responded, saying, "Well, we're a small business; we don't just want people to pay and to just say to them 'thank you for your money.'" (implying there is no way to get that money back now.) And yet there we were, in that exact situation. We asked if we could get our refund in cash. Mind you, there was a sign on the counter that said, "We're a small business, we prefer cash." implying they accept cash and likely have it in the register. He said he would ask Ayla. He went to the back once more, which is separated from the store by a curtain. Shortly after he went back, we heard Ayla (the owner) SCREAMING "NO. NO!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! I DON'T HAVE A HUNDRED DOLLARS! I'M NOT GIVING THEM ANY MONEY! I'M WITH A CLIENT!" and on and on and on. Everybody in the store could hear her. Joe returned and told us that wouldn't be possible, to which I said, "Oh, don't worry, I heard her." At this point, we had been there too long. I should have asked to speak directly to Ayla to resolve the issue and address her abhorrent behavior, but at this point, all I wanted was to leave and never return. Unfortunately, I caved and accepted store credit, which Joe insisted I did not need to use that day and could return and use any time. Did he think I would ever want to make a trip here again? As I tried to gather items for exchange, Joe felt it necessary to say, "You know this is one of the strands you returned." Yes, I know, but that was when I thought I could get a refund. This entire time, I remained polite and tried to offer feedback for a better experience, but was only condescended to. After leaving, I discovered they broke my debit card with their machine! It kept declining, and my bank said it was showing as "expired" despite the exp. date being months away. Don't waste your time or money here. read more

A gem of a place with gem people. A very sentimental necklace broke and I could not fix it for the life of me. I was absolutely delighted in my search to find Ayla's close by and stopped in to see if they could help. The staff was beyond friendly and helped with my necklace immediately. I left 15 minutes later with a fixed necklace and a restored sense of peace. The staff could not have been more helpful and nice. read more

This shop is so cute!! They have something for everyone. The man working there was so helpful and this is a really sweet shop. Support small businesses! read more

My grandma and I were very excited to see Aylas for a long time after finding out about them on the internet. She has been talking about wanting to go there so she could find beads for the jewelry she makes at home. I finally had an available time to take her during winter break. We drove about an hour south to Evanston today only to find out they were closed. We were very disappointed because on the web it says they were open till 5. My grandma told me to ask the man inside if it was okay if we quickly looked at the beads since he was there in the store. He didn't even open the door to greet us and told us no. He was not friendly at all and my grandma was so disappointed since she was so excited. They lost a customer with that. We do not think of trying to go another time. read more

Ayla's jewelry repair is the best! They repair everything from earrings to pearls and necklaces. Pretty amazing! Thank you!

One of my favorite places to shop is this store near Chicago. A delight for all my senses and I was happy to be visiting again. Met the owner, Ayla and spent time talking beads, jewelry and more. If you are looking for an original piece of jewelry or beads, like I was, a must see! read more

Thank you Joe and Ivy for being so patient with me and helping me repair my Mothers's necklace! It meant more to me than you know. read more

Ayla's Originals - Jewelry Repair Near Me - Huntley, Illinois

Once and never again. Ayla's has a very good selection of beads, findings, wire etc. However, that's where the good news ends. All beads are incredibly overpriced. I've been to bead stores in 7 countries and never seen prices inflated to this extent. It's sad to take advantage of unknowing customers in this way. However, what will actually prevent me from returning is the manager/owner. I tried repeatedly to be friendly and polite, simply to confirm I was not imagining or embellishing her nastiness, but all I received in return was a rude, pretentious and condescending attitude. The employee in the shop was sweet, professional and helpful. Sadly this is the closest bead shop to where I live, and I bead A LOT. It's worth the drive to avoid this place. read more

Talk about a wonderful experience when embarking on a new hobby! I participated in the jewelry making class (Thanks to Groupon.) in July and was blown away by the beads, clasps, etc...were offered in the store. Furthermore, I was having trouble with the parking garage and the shop owner and her husband called the Evanston police to make sure I would not get a ticket. So helpful and such great hospitality! Now for the class: There were about seven of us around a large table and had the opportunity to get all the one-on-one time we needed from the instructor. She was patient and kind and tried not to assist us to much, so we could say we finished the pieces on our own. At the end of the 2.5 hour class, I had a necklace and a pair of earrings that I can wear during the fall and winder seasons (I am an "earth tone" gal!). I can check this adventure off my list and am so happy I went to Ayla's Originals for the experience. read more

4 1/2 stars.... They have a tremendous assortment of beads, accessories, jewelry tools, etc. The staff is incredibly friendly. And helpful. And knowledgeable. A friend came in to get some pointers and clasps to make some necklaces, and she found everything she needed and then some. I, like usual, sorted through their aquarium of loose beads and got a little capsule of matching beads to make earrings for like $3. I forgot to get earring hooks, but that's my fault and not anyone else's. It can be so relaxing when going into a bead store, but other times it's a hodgepodge of neon lights, many people, and ongoing cell phone conversations. This place is definitely the former. read more

What a special place! From the moment you walk into Ayla's, you forget you are at a business; it feels more like someone's home. The atmosphere is beyond inviting. The employees are above attentive and Ayla is the most kind - and she is passionate about philanthropy and the arts. My organization purchased our fresh water pearls and stones from Ayla's to support an art event we were doing to raise awareness and funding to support adolescents youth who did not have access to the arts and quality programming. Ayla's Originals was fundamental in helping us have a very successful event. We were able to purchase affordable fresh water pearls that were of great quality and we were able to find a variety of unique beads along with all the accessories we needed. The day of the event, Joe of Ayla's Originals stopped by our event just to check on us to see did we need anything else. I was so inspired by their passion for community, generosity and thoughtfulness. I really love this small business. I encourage everyone to stop by Ayla's and register for one of their jewelry making classes; great folks, creative, experienced and customer service driven. I know after your first visit, you will be back. read more

I couldn't be happier with the service or result of my repair. I brought a necklace from Grandfather during WW11 (from India) as a gift to my Grandmother. The owner fixed the delicate chains and aided a beautifully matched chain so the piece is now beautiful and wearable. Can't believe I was able to have this fixed in Evanston, and an amazing for price for a piece of jewelry that is priceless to me. I will forever be grateful. Thank you. read more

This place is terrific! I went in needing a necklace repair and 2 pairs f earrings. Within an hour, I had 2 custom made for me pairs of earrings and repaired necklace that looks better than when I bought it. Ask for Lucie, she is a miracle worker! read more

They might have a nice selection of stones and beads...but RUDE, and WAY overpriced. If you want to spend $1.95 on a single finding(that you can get at any Chicago bead shop for about $0.45) this is the place for you. For the prices they sell at the service should be MUCH more accomidating and nice. The staff I have encountered (possibly the owner) has either been a.) completely ignorant of the stock or b.) rude, pretentious, and overall self important. I would love to make this one of the bead shops I frequent...but the for prices and the attitude it is not worth it. There are plenty of bead shops in Chicago and the North Shore that provide great product at a fraction of the price and snobbery. read more

This is a great little bead shop that I've been to several times. Everything they sell is high quality, and the prices are fair. The owner/manager has always been on hand when I've visited, and she's very friendly and helpful. If you go, be sure to check out the "sale corner" in the back, which changes often. Also check out the "treasure chest" which is a glass tank full of bargain-priced, random beads that you can either pick through or just scoop up a handful! I've found some awesome beads in the treasure chest! In fact I'd be willing to say this whole store is a treasure chest in itself! read more

I love coming to Aylas. It is always a relaxing and fun experience. They have a big table you can sit and work on a project and are happy to share tools, tips and laughs. The only metal I can ware next to my skin is gold and they have no problem when I bring in necklaces that I buy elsewhere and change the clasps to one of the wonderful selection of gold clasps they offer. They also fix jewelry, just drop it off and they'll call you when it's done. read more

The only place I shop for beads on the North Shore. A warm and inviting staff with a wonderful selection across a wide price range. A++ in every respect! read more

Fun little store with all sortsa stuff for crafty person in your life. The folks that were in the store were extremely friendly and helpful. Found a charm that my significant other liked very much. Beads aplenty. read more

Ayla's Originals is the finest bead store I have every shopped at. What's more, Ayla has created a lovely community of creative, kind people - a loyal customer base - who show up to 'beading nites,' classes, and other events to meet fellow beaders, make friends, swap tips... If you want quality, hand-picked beads and findings; personal, patient service; and help with your projects, go to Ayla's. Bring a non-perishable food item to feed the hungry in Evanston, and Ayla will donate your food and give you 10% off your purchase. read more

Just an amazing place! We did some jewelry-making lessons here, and I learned so much! She's always very kind and welcoming, and the pieces here are so unique. There's always something fascinating to look at and peruse! I learned how to make several different styles of jewelry and pick out clasps and beads/gemstones and pendants that were to my liking. I love being creative, and this was definitely a great outlet for my artistic conceptual artist energy. We had beginners and intermediate jewelry makers in our class, but everyone pretty much worked at their own pace and gave feedback to each other and we ended up having a lot of fun. The last class in knotworking has really inspired me to get serious about making jewelry in the future. Also, there's always all kinds of unique and lovely gift items for birthdays and nieces/nephews and family in the front when you first walk in. She does repairs as well, from what I've heard, and is very reasonable. I always look forward to visit here. An Evanston gem, pun intended!! read more

While their selection was not as extensive as Circle of Stones, I was pleased at the overall inventory and experience. Prices were about the same as other stores. The owners were friendly, helpful and even sat down with me and helped me pick out and put together a chain for a necklace that I am making for my niece. Worth the trip!! I will be returning:-) read more

I just stopped in this afternoon for some clasps and spacers for beads I had bought in a recent trip to Austin. The saleslady was really cool about me bringing in something that wasn't theirs and was so helpful. I have very little knowledge in "beading" and she gave me some great tips! I'll definitely be going back for a class and if all goes well with the bracelets I want to make, for more beads! read more

All About the Money My sister brought my 13 year old daughter to make a present for me. The bracelet was beautiful but way too big, can easily slip off my wrist. "She wanted to make it smaller but the woman told her to make it bigger," my sister said. I took it to Ayla's today to ask about having it made smaller. I was told it would cost $12 plus the cost of a new clasp and the wire. I explained that I thought it should be done as a service since my daughter was advised to make the bracelet bigger. The man and woman denied they would say that, since everyone's wrist is different. (yes, and my daughter knows mine is small!) I would have paid for the supplies (though they never offered this alternative), but the $12 charge was outrageous. I never raised my voice, just explained my reason. Did they really just want to charge her for more beads? It doesn't make sense to me, the bad advice or lack of service attitude. read more

Ayla's Originals in Evanston offers great products and service with a smile. I always get awesome ideas and help with whatever beading project I'm working on. They also offer wonderful workshops/classes and do jewelry repairs, too. I would highly recommend Ayla's Originals! read more

I purchased a bison man's leather bracelet in Milwaukee, and I am happy with it. Yet, I remain slightly disappointed. I would like to get a white leather man's bracelet, but the product is not available. Moreover, there are few men's products. read more

The staff is really friendly and helpful with the products! They have a wide selection of beads and other things to make jewelry!

Great selection, lovely and helpful staff, wonderful vibe. This is beading heaven. They also do great repair work on jewelry.

Love Ayla's as my daughter and I have always purchased our beading supplies and have had the best experience. I recently took a wire wrap class with a friend and I have to give a "shout out" to Cordelia as she is such an excellent instructor with so much patience. Although I love to bead my eye/hand coordination is not the best as it takes me awhile to "get it" and Cordelia was so supportive of me and all of the things I did right and gave me the extra help I needed to feel confident with what I had learned. A big thank you to Ayla's and to Cordelia for the wonderful class! read more

They are extremely helpful, patient and knowledgeable!!! They have a great selection, are very nice and their classes are fantastic!

Love this place. Staff is incredibly helpful and nice, and will give you recommendations if you don't know what you're looking for. Very knowledgeable. Repair is very handy and helpful too. read more

Incredible selection of beads, and the staff is fantastic. They also fix jewelry. They have fixed necklaces and have put clasps on leather cords for me. They offer classes and I took one and learned how to make a Chan Lu bracelet. It's a great store! read more

This is a fantastic shop with the BEST beading instructors anywhere!!! Cordelia is fantastic and taught me, ( not an easy feat at all) how to hand knot a necklace in one lesson... She is so easy going and gave me the confidence to complete 6 necklaces after my very first one I made with her instruction. It is so much fun to sit around the beading table and talk to other beaders and make new friends. I love Ayla's Originals and I will go there for any future beading needs that I have. I also intend on taking more classes there as well in other facets of beading. It's such a wonderful store with many new beads all the time!! It's so worth the trip... It's a great place to learn and enjoy a new hobby!!! read more

Ayla's has one of the largest most diverse selections of beads in the area. The people are helpful without being hovering. The class selection is great for beginners and private lessons are available for more advanced beaders. read more

NO REFUNDS. Don't buy anything here if you think you might want a refund. Won't happen. Poorest customer service. My husband bought an expensive item and was not told about the refund policy. When I went there to return it they would not give a refund. I appealed to the manager - we are retired and really don't have the money for an extravagance I can't use - still NO. No consideration. Plus my personal opinion is they sell junk. So be forewarned. read more