- decent selection/variety. - easy street parking (surprise surprise, yes, even on Saturday!) - inattentive staff (wasn't greeted when I walked in, the entire 10 minutes I was browsing, I wasn't asked if I needed help, was looking for anything in particular, etc, and I wasn't noticed when I left either; call me conceited but I would like a little attention if I'm a paying customer.) Sadly, I won't be returning. =[ read more

I am new to jewelry making, and Sue & Lisa were especially helpful. They have a lot of inventory, and Sue was very helpful and patient while I got everything I'd needed to make my first necklace. Its close to home too ! I'd recommend! read more

The woman helped direct me to exactly what i wanted/needed. I was in and out in 5 minutes and was able to complete my project :)

I love this store! The staff are always accommodating and I especially like Denise, the main staff woman, she always goes out of her way to find me what I'm looking for-- if it's not at their store she will call around to the other stores to find it. I instantly feel welcomed when I walk in the door. The selection of the store is vast; the good stuff is behind the counter, in the case. They have finds from all over the world-- great tribal beads. My small handmade jewelry business, Golden Plume, has flourished from using their findings. The ladies who work there truly like making jewelry, and are always pointing out new projects they are working on; and are eager to share how to create them, which I'm really grateful about-- I actually used a few of their designs and recreated them as gifts, people love them! All in all, Bead Source is a great place to shop. Be nice and the ladies will be nice right back. Commonsense ;) read more

I just discovered this little gem! It's a great spot for parking on the street (tons of available meters). When I went in with my 4 year old and since I know it's unconventional to have a young child in a store like that, I walked him straight to the back to take a seat to play Angry Birds. The ladies that worked there pointed out that there was a little box of toys and my son was extra happy with that. I then made my way though their entire Swarovski Crystal collection and the woman was very helpful. The place is not fancy, but they have a great selection and good prices. I'm SO HAPPY I don't have to schlep downtown or to Michael's where you get NO customer service. If you want a luxurious shop, go elsewhere. If you want a little gem of a bead store for jewelry making addicts like me, check it out! P.S. They also have a card you can sign up for for only $6 and it gives you 15% off on all purchases. Love that. :) read more

I have been a customer for 10 plus years. Due to the pandemic I had not been into the store but yesterday I decided I needed to go back in for a specific charm. As always I had an amazing experience, the ladies are always helpful and try to make sure each customer gets their full attention, when they aren't packed with other customers of course. Even though I am vaccinated I was relieved to know the store has a mask policy still in place. It made me feel extra safe. read more

I had great service, the selection is immense, and they have parking in the back of the building. I just can't get down with a no exchange policy....would probably return but only if I am around in their hood. read more

The customer service at this store is AWFUL. I really tried to like this place because conveniently close by and has a decent selection, however, every time I go in, the two ladies working there make me feel unwelcome and bothersome. I've bought from Bead Source several times, but they still treat me like I am annoying them. They also aren't very responsive or helpful with questions. read more

This place is not as welcoming or attentive as the Silverlake location, but the employees are still nice when you ask them questions and they have good supplies. I go here because I have a membership card which gives me 15% off everything, and also it's close to my work. Their display stands are a little dusty, but not disturbing or anything. Since there aren't that many bead stores in west LA, this would be the place to go if you live in the area. read more

Went to this shop to get supplies to repair a large church Rosary. I came in with a segment of beads and chain and the lovely woman who helped us was simply awesome! She helped us select the right type of chain to use in between the beads and also helped us find eye pins of the right length. While we were there she also helped us find a clasp to repair a bracelet for my mom. Prices are very reasonable, it was less than $20 for everything we needed and I still had supplies left over to make a "repair kit" to leave at the church in case the Rosary breaks again. They have a wide variety of findings, beads and tools for jewelry making, but I was really impressed with their selection of chains - they have a whole display board to make selecting chain easy. Hint: order 1 or 2 feet more than you need, you won't regret it and it may save you a return trip! I'll definitely go back again for my next beading project! read more

Bead Store is as good as it gets! This Bead Shop has the most talented people working there!!! The customer service is A+. Especially the manager Denise This bead store has soooo many beautiful beads, and a staff that can make great suggestions, and even have the patience to show you some really hip tips!!!! This is my creative outlet, and going in to the store is like an expeirance of heaven! And everything is priced so reasonably. I recommend anyone and everyone to stop in to one of the stores and make something special and totally unexpected! I LOVE BEAD SOURCE!! read more

I love this place! Great product and great prices!! The lovely woman there helped me from start to finish (I'm a beginner). Definitely going back! read more

Amazing mom and pop (but really just mom) bead store... we need to support our local businesses!! But not to mention, they have the BEST prices and selection in town!! read more

I have been designing jewelry for 30 years and living in Los Angeles for about the same. I rely on the expertise that Denise & Lise provide me every time I go in to shop for supplies at the West Los Angeles Bead Source. They are the loveliest ladies in a crowd of snotty brats that run other bead stores. I can spend my money at any store here in Los Angeles-and there are other stores that actually have a deeper inventory for the design work that I do-but I choose West LA location of The Bead Source every time. For those of you who have referred to Denise & Lise as old ladies and have said other negative things, I say this: GROW UP!!!! Put down your technological devices when you are in the store and get submissive-you might just learn something from the "old school' talent serving you on your project at the West Los Angeles Bead Source. The maturity and seasoned good taste and knowledge of Denise & Lise is a rare thing in the retail world, especially in this town. I am so grateful for their excellent energy and kindness to me through the years. Best, L.A. read more

I recently wrote a review about the Bead Source on Pico Blvd. and it seems that the review that I wrote was removed! I feel that the experience I had there should be shared with others as it was horrendous! I make jewelry as a hobby and I visit all of the gem shows when they are in town. I make jewelry with only semi-precious or precious gems. I stopped by Bead Source to buy a string of Aquamarine stones. While I was walking out, I wanted to see some of the charms and findings that were displayed out in little cups in shelves throughout the store. I reached in my purse to get my glasses and I felt a tap on the back. One of the salesladies "Denise" said "I saw that", I saw you put that in your purse"! SAY WHAT? I asked her what she was talking about and offered to go to the back of the store to empty out my purse in order to PROVE MY INNOCENCE and save my good name! Denise then told me to forget about it and said that I was overacting! Well, I don't know about you but when someone accuses me of committing a crime. they better be absolutely sure that the crime occurred! After buying a $20 string of aquamarine, why would I bother to try to steal the beads out of the cups that are worth about ten cents each! Livid could not even begin to describe how I felt when I left the store. I didn't even get an apology! In general, the store does not look like it has been cleaned in years! The counters are dusty. The silver beads in the cups are tarnished and there is a layer of dust everywhere. Things are very hard to find and the sales ladies get annoyed when they are asked to bring something out from under the counter. However, being accused of theft is wrong on a whole new level! ENTER THIS PLACE WITH CAUTION! read more

I used to love coming to this Bead Source location. It was convenient, and the ladies who worked there were so helpful. I was able to spend as much time in the store trying to figure out what I needed -- in fact, they'd just take out all the colors and sizes of Swarovski crystals for me so that I could play. They'd never had a problem with it. You might notice I used all past tense in that last paragraph. Unfortunately, those days are gone. More recently -- as in, the last month or so -- I went in there and asked to see the crystals, and the lady wouldn't take out more than a couple at a time. OK, fine, whatever, I can handle that. What I cannot handle was the attitude when I asked if I could lay out my project on their counter so that I could place a few crystals on it to see how it'd look. "As long as you don't take up too much room" was the response. EXCUSE ME? Gee, I'm so sorry me and my MONEY are taking up too much room in your store. Maybe we'll just go elsewhere. And that's exactly what I did. I went to Bohemian Crystal downtown. Much better selection, and about 40% cheaper. So thanks for the attitude, Bead Source. You saved me some money! read more

I agree with the negative reviews and am relieved that I am not the only person who has been treated shabbily by the staff. A few years ago it was a delight to come into the store, pick out a few items or bring in a piece of costume jewelry for a minor repair. No charge for a small repair and I always tipped generously ($5 at least). Today I made my last visit to the store. I picked up a few earring backs and I brought in a necklace I had purchased there in December for $75. A mineral pendant had fallen off and I wanted to have its setting repaired. No apology Not only did this woman say she did not remember me buying the necklace (there was still its empty space on the display from where I had purchased it!), but she also charged me $3 for a small metal pincher and another $3 for the repair. She was cold and emotionless the whole time I was there and I felt extremely unwelcome. That's it for me. Go elsewhere if you want a nice experience. read more

What a horrible experience. I walked in with a friend and the 2 "older" ladies behind the counter couldn't be bothered. When I told them what I was looking for, one of them pointed. I asked the employee another question, which seemed to annoy her. I was obviously looking for something specific but the employee offered no assistance. They were RUDE, UNHELPFUL & UNFRIENDLY so we walked out, NEVER to go there again. What a shame since it's in the neighborhood. King's Road Beads here I come! read more

Okay, I went to Bead Source over the weekend, and the same gal (who appeared bored and huffy the last time) was super helpful, and advised me on which glue I should use to help me along with making Tarina Tarantino hair bow knockoffs for family Christmas presents. She was patient when I kept asking "Uh...how much is in a gross again?" She was spot on with the advice, and even gave me a discount on the rhinestones I needed. WOOHOO!!! read more

I visited the Pico location. Everything seems really picked over. The sales people aren't the friendliest, not to mention the girl whose text conversation obviously took priority over answering my questions. Their up-selling tactics and misleading on some prices really turned me off. I will not be going again. read more

I have been coming to Bead Source for at least 15 years. My review is long overdue. Bead Source has EVERYTHING: all the hock, fasteners, wires, and a zillion beads, strings of beads. The ladies in the shop are always attentive and they even generously offer tips and help for completing a certain project. And it feels so good to support an independently owned little store!! read more

Not my favorite bead shop. Definitely needs a deep clean. It felt really dusty, and I did not find anything I really liked because the atmosphere was just not the best :/ but got a few things anyway... Only 50% satisfied... Sorry gals. read more

I never write reviews but I wanted to take the time to rave Bead Source on Pico. I have been going over a year now. And I think the women who work there are very helpful and friendly. They get a bad rep sometimes bc it's a service business and some people are simply difficult to please. Then eager to complain about it. I have been in the store more than a couple of time and personally witness this. They do a great job trying to keep it an enjoyable experience by accommodating people as best as possible. I go there not just bc of the beads but bc of the women that work there. read more

I love this place! Great prices and its owned by a family. The girls who work at the shop have no problem helping you figure out a difficult project and I always find what i need. Seriously, I have tried to go to other bead stores closer to my house and have been sorely disappointed. This place is great. read more

This place has a huge selection of odds and ends. Loose beads, findings, and all kinds of other stuff. I don't always find what I need here, but they do have reasonable prices, especially on Swarovski beads, and the staff is pretty helpful and friendly. read more

Great source for beards and earrings and jewelry. Beautiful pearls beautiful everything. I went there to get "parts" for my earrings that were broken. I was in and out in 10 minutes. The staff is attentive and informed! read more

Been coming here for a few years now. The prices are OK. The ladies here are nice, and if you ask them about a finding or bead they always can help. I don't understand the reviews others have posted about the employees not being helpful? When you need findings or beads in small quantities and local, this is the place. You can buy a 15% off frequent shopper card. Great value. Professionals get a 25% card, but you have to prove it with a resale license. Parking in the back is easy. Meters out front too. They are open on Sundays, can't say that about most of the downtown places. read more

Not a fan. Went here once and will not be back. It is a small store that is dusty and not well organized. Not a great selection and the prices are fairly high. Service was...meh. read more

I just stumbled upon this store today while running errands. They have an amazing selection and the ladies were SO nice and helpful. She gave me an awesome idea for some easy-to-make & inexpensive gifts. What a great place, really glad to have it on this side of town. Can't wait to go back. read more

Love this store! The staff is very friendly and helpful! They always have everything I need. I would recommend getting the blue card. Every time you shop there you get 15% off your purchase. read more

LOVE this place!!! They have everything you can possibly imagine!! They have the best selection of charms in both sterling silver and metal!! Also, the most choices of chains in sterling, gold filled , and metal!! Not to mention the various color selection in the swarovski rhinestones!! Just love the selection and the girls that work there are so sweet, helpful, as well as patient! Everytime I ask something, one of them is more than willing to help!! Great store, as well as staff!!! Highly recommend!!! read more

Good selection, but definitely overpriced (especially the chain). Fantastic variety of shapes and colors of swarovski crystals. Okay selection of natural stones. Pretty extensive selection of findings (though pretty expensive). The service is hit or miss - they can usually find you anything you need, but look extremely bored while doing so. If you do shop here - get a discount card (pay a small amount, get 10% off each purchase). It's handy when I really need something - just wish they were open until 7 pm and that the prices were more reasonable. I usually head over to Sweets Beads on Beverly for friendlier service and great prices. read more

Loved the place... I got very helpful information and the employees were very attentive to all my needs. If I would have stayed there I would have bought the whole store.... Lol. read more

If I could rate them a zero star, I would! The rudest most inconsiderate employees (owner?) I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. Awful awful awful experience. read more

I haven't found any other bead stores this part of town. It has a decent selection for those who don't want to drive too far. I bought gold earring backs to replace ones that did not agree with my ears. However, I was in a bead store on State street in Santa Barbara that was much nicer, in looks, layout, selection, and price. However, the staff helped and I think there is parking in the back. read more

Very uninspired layout. I know nothing about beads and was told by the old lady working there that my questions were 'random' and 'too vague'. Gee thanks, I know nothing about beads and am asking questions. And you have a bead shop. Crazy. read more

I have been going to the bead source for years. Denise manages the store and is an expert jewelry artisan. I recently took a macrame class there and it was amazing - well organized and thought out and we were given individualized attention. I have learned over the years that Denise and her team offer up their skills and advice freely - every time I go there it is like taking a class. I see on here that there are some people who seem not to be pleased with the service. I have noted that at times it gets quite busy in the store, and there is not much that can be done. It is worth it to be patient, as when it is your turn, you will get the undivided attention of the staff person. I;ve noticed the store has been adding some new items it did not carry previously, and it definitely carries the largest variety of chains of any store I have been to. I love this place! read more

I went to this store looking for some kitty pendants/beads for a kitty-themed necklace. They have a pretty good selection of charms, but they're all plastic with metallic paint. The other beads they have are the plastic ones with glitter junior high girls use to make lanyards. They had some nice things, but they were locked up and the sales girls were not very attentive or helpful, so it wasn't easy to see the nicer strands of beads. Also their prices are a little ridiculous for what you're getting-- you could honestly get the exact same beads at Michael's for half the price. After a quick walk-through of the store, I was ready to leave. I'll probably be back to attempt to look at their pearls again, but I wouldn't go back for anything else. read more

I had great service by Denise! I had two broken necklaces and she hand fixed it within minutes even though it was challenging! Highly recommend this place! read more

I will never come back to this bead source. Once a friendly place is now not so friendly. I walked in there to ask for help and I was told in a nasty way they don't help. I will never be back read more