This bead store is super cute! I was impressed by the variety and number of beads they have. Although I am not a very crafty person, I visited with a friend who loves making jewelry, and she definitely liked the selection at Dava Bead. The store owner was able to help us find everything we needed, and she was really friendly. I appreciated her advice a lot because this was my first time trying to make jewelry, and I had no idea what I was doing haha. Also, I would recommend checking out their classes and community maker space! They offer different classes for learning to use beads in jewelry (or advancing your current knowledge), and the community space is perfect for crafting with friends because it's a pretty large space and offers many different tools for working with metal chains and other tricky items. read more

I just had a lovely experience at Dava bead! I had bought a wire for restringing a necklace and it was cut a tiny bit too short. I took my necklace in and the owner restrung it on a longer wire for free!! She was kind and went above and beyond with excellent customer service! I'm so happy that this shop is in my neighborhood. read more

Love their new location on NE Sandy, although the parking is a bit more challenging than when they were on NE Broadway. The store has the same vast assortment of beads, findings, chains, crystals, gemstones and supplies. I have been making jewelry for over 40 years and as I type this, I find that fact hard to believe and accept. Getting older, while a blessing, is sometimes shocking upon reflection of how much time has passed. Anyway, back to beads! To help pay my way through college, I designed, made and sold jewelry in addition to my full time job. Living in NJ, I was fortunate to buy wholesale in NYC. When I moved to Portland 20 years ago, I discovered Dava Beads. Although I was no longer selling jewelry I still love to make for myself and friends. Plus, I'm an admitted beadaholic and can't resist purchasing beads in quantity as if I still have a business! I have quite a collection at home so I can make whatever I want on the fly. I often stop at Dava when I want a new finding or need something special. Those that work at this new location are friendly and welcoming. They provide trays so you can collect your beads and easily sort them in compartments by price. There are so many colors and sizes and shapes that I literally can get lost in the beads for long stretches of time and not even realize how much time has passed! I stopped in the other day to purchase some beads with letters to make name bracelets for a friend's young granddaughters. When I got home, 3 of the beads didn't fit on the elastic thread. Frustrated, I drove back across the river, and of course they allowed me to make an exchange. Bringing the elastic thread with me, I was successfully able to spell "Cora" but for whatever reason, the E for "Zoe" just would not fit no matter how many "Es" I tried! Sensing my frustration, the woman working there offered me a yard of elastic thread in one size smaller so that I could create a "Zoe" bracelet, not a "Zo!" The fact that they sell the thread by the yard is so helpful as I already have full spools of other sizes and didn't want to purchase an entire spool for 2 small bracelets. What was over and beyond is that she told me to there would be no charge. That is customer service! In addition to beads, if you need help wiring or finishing off a piece, for just a few dollars you can pay for this service. Since I don't bead regularly and my hands aren't as nimble, I am thrilled they provide this. They are professionals so their work is always stellar. Until there is a 12 Step Program for Beadaholics - I have already taken the first step in admitting I have a problem - I will continue to get completely absorbed in picking through and selecting prized finds at Dava Beads! read more

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I visited Dava this past week and was taken aback by the salesperson's lackluster interest in customer service. I left the store without making a purchase. Thinking it may have just been a bad day for the person working, I returned today. Nope, I was met with the same borderline rude attitude. I buy locally, but not here. I was sorry to see how much the store had gone down hill since it sold. read more

This is an incredible bead shop. I make my own jewelry and went in yesterday looking for one jump ring. The owner helped me find a better one and was so nice, quick and understanding. read more

Best place in Portland for beads and help! Everyone is always super helpful and knowledgeable and prices are comparable, if not better, than other beads stores around town. They offer metal findings, classes, jewelry repair, and more. They are an independent store and the owner is lovely! read more

I came into Dava to look for jump rings, but quickly realized I needed some advice too. The owner not only walked me through everything I needed to know, but while I was shopping, did something similar for another customer. She was so helpful and patient. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

First of all I'd like to address the fact that for many years there were some rude employees that made it not so great to shop here. THEY ARE ALL GONE NOW I really needed some supplies and I made an appt which was super easy I just texted the number on their site. I got in the same day. They allow 4 customers at a time and require masks Not only did I find exactly what I was hoping to find but my fave employee (Amber) was working and it turns out she bought the business from the original owner! Amber has been in the jewelry business for many years and she's also an artist. She is more than helpful. She will even mail you what you need. I'm so happy to support this wonderful gal and excited for the future of the NEW AND MUCH IMPROVED DAVA BEADS read more

Dava Bead & Trade - Jewelry making supplies - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We've been to this shop on several occasions and each time the same - welcoming, inviting, helpful, great suggestions, well-organized, amazing selection of beads, stones, and charms, great prices, beautiful shop, and a room in the back to be able to play with possibilities. Cannot recommend this store highly enough! read more

The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Great inventory. Most importantly, they took time to explain some beading issues that I was struggling with and that made all the difference. read more

Great selection, experienced service. Excellent variety of items. So enjoy stopping by

Some very nice items for jewelry,stones,findings etc They always greet me warmly,and offer to help find my specific needs from their excellent selection which changes from time to time. And the discount for trying to sell my jewelry is nice. read more

Love this store so much, I've been coming for years and they always have what i need (and so much more), Amber is so kind and helpful! would definitely recommend Dava Beads. read more

Wonderful Bead store! Always an inspiration to go visit. Staff is knowledgable and helpful.

I used to be super into beading and making jewelry. Most of the time I would buy my Swarovski crystals, gemstones and all the necessary findings wholesale. From time to time I would need a little something special I didn't have in my kit and I would always go to Dava to search it out because they are conveniently located. Most recently, I bought some really special pendants as birthday gifts for my friends and me. I needed some professional help putting the pendants on a chain, a leather chord, and ribbon as I didn't have all the parts. The gals there are really friendly and helpful and I left with all the pendants beautifully strung and gift-worthy. They do charge a minimal fee for the labor of putting everything together for you but the end result was well worth the labor fee. 2017 - Review # 27 read more

I have never entered this bead shop and had a good experience with the employees. Poor eye contact, poor communication, poor interpersonal skills....and they only attempt to rise to the occasion when you call them out on it, but it's all to defend they lack of customer service skills. It's more likely there's just no good work ethic here. You want to know where any garnet might be hidden in this unorganized dirty shop? GROAN you mean I'm asking for the EMPLOYEE to leave her perch behind the counter, where she's stringing beads- sort of -, to show me where something is?! My goodness the HORROR! Where on earth do you find these sorts? Is this a Portlandia parody? 'We have beads but, we don't know anything about them, and why are you in our shop anyway, we don't like questions! We also don't like checking your purchases out, and don't ever ask us about jewelry making components, because, why do you want that wire anyway.' Waste of time. Severely lacking in good gemstones or precious metals, severely lacking in knowledge of jewelry making, severely lacking in customer service and interpersonal skills. I see no reason to return. read more

I am a beadaholic. I admit it to my family and friends. I thought I had kicked the habit but, I ended up signing up for 2 classes here. When I entered the shop my beady little eyes were filled with the most beautiful light and color, and so much of it too! . I took a bead stringing class, which only strung me out more as I immediately went and bought myself some tubes of beads and some strings of multi-faceted colors. The other class I took was a braided bracelet class. The teachers are very helpful and the class is small enough that you get individual attention. Prices are pretty reasonable and they always have sales going on, plus you get 15% off automatically when you've taken a class on that day. Habitually beading isn't the worst thing for you at least. It can be quite relaxing. read more

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Unlike so many hobbies left behind, jewelry-making is one I VOW to pick back up again. And half the fun is going to the bead store and spending way more money than it seems you should be on such a tiny bag of beads and findings. Dava is THE store. They have tons of vintage beads, tons of glass, tons of cool findings and chain and seem to keep up with jewelry trends pretty well (if ya follow that sort of thing) by stocking the stuff you need to make pieces that will make friends and strangers say "I love your earrings!" to which you humbly reply "Oh these? I made them." Or probably more humbly reply "Oh these? Thanks!" (I'm not that humble.) The girls who work there are super cool and helpful and are stylish to the degree that you trust their opinion when you need to ask a question. I find that essential. They also have a bunch of jewelry on sale that the staff has made, so you can either buy them or replicate their good ideas. Seriously, I'm going to start up again tomorrow! I swear! Right after I finally teach myself to play the harmonica. read more

Dava Bead & Trade - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I have been going to this store for years. I have been treated with respect and kindness by the employees, but now my favorite salesperson has become the owner. Amber has a great sense of style and has helped inspire me to create jewelry throughout the years. From crystals, to metalwork, to beadwork, they have it all and now if I don't want to go out during Covid, I can order online. If I have any special needs, Amber has always gone out of her way to help. read more

Not a bad little bead store! Having begun beading again, recently (read: having forgotten everything I used to know), I wandered around for a long, long time before I got help figuring out what things were and how they were to be used. Not the greatest selection of lampwork beads, but not bad. Not a lot of bulk packages of findings, beads, etc. And most of the beads I selected had the tiniest apertures... couldn't fit bead cord through them. I'm asking for help sooner, next time. I bored my poor hubby to tears. read more

I can't express how refreshing it is to have kind people in this world! I needed a bead for a blessingway ceremony but my hours were limited on when I could come get them. Amber went out of her way to get me my beads! So grateful for her and her kindness!! You definitely want to support local businesses like this who not only have great options but a heart and soul that is representative of community!! You guys are amazing!!! read more

I went into this store with inspiration, and excitement. I was not sure how to accomplish the project I had in mind, but I had been told that the ladies at Dava knew their stuff. I was assured that they would be helpful and informative. After the first 5 minutes of being in the store.. I wanted to leave. I regret asking questions. I immediately felt like I was an annoyance to the experts. This annoyance was noticed by my husband who tried to help, but it escalated, and I was caught feeling embarrassed by my idea, and flustered by the sudden negative exchange. Which seemed to further annoy the experts. Long story short.. My husband broke off from the irritated expert (and flustered wife) determined to find something that would work. Which he did ... Now I am looking at the pieces of my project, and all I can feel is regret... Why? I regret being new to making beaded jewelry and asking for help. I regret that the reception I received as a customer was filled with a lot of "no" and not "you know, we have a lot of stuff here! Let's see what we can make together!" I regret that I was expecting a locally owned Buisness to have a greater appreciation for people who really want to support them. Especially the customers who have an idea, and need their help to make it happen. I am no stranger to retail. I worked for New Seasons for a long time. I am currently a service technician. I begin each day with an understanding that I am not just helping customers, but people with lives, personalities, and to do lists... Regardless of who they are, or how much they know, I help them understand what needs to be done, and the steps on how to accomplish their goals. In exchange, my customers graciously pay my mortgage, utilities, and put food on my families table. I rarely go out to shop, but getting to feel my crafting material is important to me. Regrettably, next time I think about a project I will watch a you tube video, and find a bead provider online. Your store is beautiful. Your stock is fabulous.... read more

Nice ambiance, slightly higher priced than other stores and somewhat limited stock of what I consider basic building blocks. I have no issues with the shop itself or the merchandise. My main gripe is with the salesgirl who "helped" me today. Utterly clueless on how to measure beads and had no understanding of bead sizes and what they mean or how many grams of beads are in their standard tubes. And I quote "The reason it's an 8mm is because of the size of the hole in the bead, not the actual bead itself." WTF?!? Are you kidding me? So, if an 8mm, a 10mm and a 12mm bead all have the same sized hole, they're actually the same size bead? Are you out of your mind? Or..an 11 in a czech, miyuki and toho all have different sized holes..so they're not all actually 11's?? *sigh* Add that to her visible frustration at not being able to answer my questions, the veiled insult that I shouldn't make things from patterns that require gram amounts vs. bead counts, and the condescending reminder that I should only purchase beads that have the color listed so I can "order online" when it turns out they don't carry what I need and you have a very annoyed customer. My advice: take a list and don't try to get any sort of useful customer service. Aside from that, beautiful beads can be found here. read more

I give this shop 3 stars - I shop there a lot, and find they have a nice selection of loose gemstones, so I don't have to buy the whole strand. The prices reflect the fact that they are a brick and mortar store. And I don't mind shopping local and supporting this business. I have two gripes: 1. Sometimes, I feel the staff is less than friendly...a bit snobbish. Other times, the staff is quite friendly. Seems to be hit or miss. That's ok for me, as I make and sell jewelry, and don't generally have many questions. That said, the few times I have asked questions, I have gotten good help. 2. Leave the dog at home. The other weekend, one of the staff had their dog running loose in the store. I know, I know, Portland folks LOVE their dogs, and take them everywhere. Fine. But. The dog was small, and seemed the nervous sort. I gave it a wide berth. Then, it started barking at another customer. Owner shushed the dog, and took it over to it's bed in the corner. The dog subsequently left its bed, and started barking (more loudly this time) again at a customer. The dog owner starts walking towards the dog to deal with the situation while simultaneously, another employee calls the dog to come, hush, etc. The dog owner then proceeds to sternly, and in my mind, condescendingly, berate the other employee for daring to discipline her dog. Guess what? I come to a bead shop to shop for beads...not get barked at by some unknown dog. The interaction between the dog owner and other employ was really uncomfortable. The dog owner was clearly in the wrong, as the other employee was trying to help the situation. I had hoped to tell the employee that the dog owner was in the wrong (to make her feel better) but never have the chance, as the dog owner was behind the counter too, when I checked. Long story short - I'll keep going back, and hope the dog gets left at home! read more

This bead store is pretty nice. It could be better though. The staff seem to be a little on the cold side though. Sort of snobbish or a better than thou attitude, which is why I didn't rate this shop higher. However, they're not all like that and there is one woman who does come off as being genuine and nice. All in all this isn't really something that would be an issue for me since I don't tend to come in with questions other than where something might be. The selection is decent; I've experienced better and worse. The most beads are of an above average quality, no broken/flawed beads in their singles here. The store seems to be kind of specialized in their inventory and somehow even though there is a decent representation of beads, there still is a feeling of something lacking. I can't put my finger on it though. Still a great store and I saw things I hadn't yet seen anywhere else. Prices are a little bit higher than I've experienced elsewhere, but that wouldn't stop me from going back. One thing to note. They have a shop dog. It's a yappy type, the under foot kind, and personally I don't like those kinds because I'm afraid I'll step on them and injure the animal. So my experience would have also been better if I didn't have to keep an eye on the animal the whole time I was shopping. I will be back to this store and I'd definitely recommend it to others. read more

Both times I've used their services they were very nice. Selection seems more extensive than to other shops in town; their prices are in-line. read more

Right across the street from Twisted yarn shop. Yeah I could get in a lot of trouble living around these parts! This is a fine bead shop! Lots of selection of seed beads, and a decent selection of some natural beads as well. They carry chain and cord, though they were low or out of some basic brown leather cord which I would think is a fairly standard product to keep on hand in a bead shop like this one. The seed beading size they have listed are all off. I shop for 8/0 and what they had on the wall as an 8 was more like an 11 or smaller. That was weird. The selection of charms was not great. I did find one charm I have been hunting for and bought all 3 they had in stock. Yep. 3. That was all they had. Bummer. I wish they had way more selection in the charm department. This bead shop also has a good selection of different stringing material. I was pleasantly surprised to find some I have not seen or tried before. They offer a designers discount if you have your own business. I found that out AFTER I finished my purchase. They also have classes here which might be fun for those who live close enough. Someone else commented on the "pretentiousness" of the shop. I got that impression too. I was trying to explain the texture I was looking for in cord and the reaction I got was off-putting to say the least. There was an air of pretension from the gal who assisted me. Kinda don't expect that in a shop like this. It was weird. This place earns 3 stars in my book because it had a great selection of seed beads, stringing materials and natural material beads. All others items were ...meh...just so-so in both selection and quantity. read more

Great people! Very welcoming staff with helpful hits and tricks. Being relatively new/inexperienced they were more then willing to take the time to help me get set up for my new projects. They have a nice selection of beads of all shapes sizes and materials. So easy to lose track of time with all they have to offer. Very excited to go back and maybe check out some of their classes. Definitely worth a visit. read more

I am not a jewelry maker, but I love a visit to Dava because they have the best jewelry! It is all made by the very talented and creative staff, and it is pretty cheap. See, they cater to the makers of jewelry, who wouldn't dream of paying high prices for something they could make themselves. A staff member once explained to me that they had them more to inspire ideas than to sell. Good deal all around! And once, when my boyfriend sucked up one of a favorite pair of earrings into the vacuum cleaner, I was able to bring in the intact earring and the parts of the broken one, and they fixed it for me for about $5! I love these gals! read more

My last trip to Dava Bead tonight...will venture out much further so I don't have to put up with icy service. Apparently one can't chat with other customers about other bead/finding sources in their store. This wasn't an isolated cool reception, but I need some findings to finish a few pieces. I'll give another store the hundreds I've spent over the course of months. I'd give one star, but they do have a pretty nice selection. read more

YUCK! Nasty, mean, rude employees. Never ever will shop there again! Would rather drive further to a better, friendlier place. Also, they don't even carry anything extraordinarily special...but they sure act as if they do lol. Maybe someday, Dava Bead & Trade will take note of so many unhappy customers and change their crappy attitude and treat customers with respect and appreciation. read more

A nice friendly shop. It's in a great location, near a personal favorite - Twisted. The selection is fine but nothing stellar. The prices are better than some other local places but some of the individual beads are over priced IMO. They do have a frequent buyer program which I appreciate. It is the bead store I recommend to visitors when they want something interesting. read more

I absolutely love this store. The bead selection is awesome, and they always have an interesting mix of cabochons and stones. The staff are incredibly helpful and very nice. And the owners dog, Momo, is adorable. read more

Yikes. Customer service is pretty awful. The woman ringing me up didn't even try to hide her annoyance at my asking a question about findings. Not a single smile. Super awkward! I have been in several times before, and the employees were apathetic, but dang! New level. Bead quality or selection is nothing to write home about, but will get the job done...just be prepared to shop with some palpable discomfort in the air. read more

Have to agree with the other reviewers who felt like they were putting staff out just for asking questions. I was looking for a rather large, pricey (which I was fully prepared to pay) sterling silver clasp to replace a broken one on a treasured bracelet. Was told they would take my name & number and call me when it was in. That was 2 years ago and I never received that call or have returned. Went and asked the lovely folks at Gold Door for advice & THEY FIXED IT. read more

Dava is my favorite spot to go when I need to restock my basic jewelry making needs. I am able to buy really cool brass chain and necklace clasps wholesale, which makes my art much more affordable to produce. They have great customer service, knowledgable staff and classes available for those of us still working on our basic jewelry making skills. I also really appreciate their selection of natural and cut stones, I'm kind of a stone hound, so this is an important part of my shopping stop. read more

This is by far the best bead store in town. Both the customer service and inventory are outstanding. The staff is knowledgable, courteous and quite simply fun. There is no other bead store in town that compares. read more

New place on Sandy. Great selection. Super nice and helpful ladies. Lots of varying selection. Tassels even! Good prices - had to restrain myself! Great experience. read more

I give this shop 2 stars because the selection is good. But i would give it one star for the snarky remarks when i asked for assistance. I thought it would be nice to buy my supplies and be assisted by expert staff but NOT! customer service is not here at Dava Bead and Trade. wwwFiremountaingems.com not only guided me along over the phone but helped me locate my supplies while i was on line with them. read more

The employees here are very friendly and likable. The level of expertise and willingness to help however seems consistent with the OWNER rather than the employee of a bead shop. I was there today working on some jewelry repairs. The employees cheerfully helped me find what I needed and let me use their tools. They helped me with things like crimp beads when I needed it. Many customers came in with complex questions. All of the women working today gave information readily and in one case, consulted a book when they didn't have the information the customer was asking about. The training the women here receive has to be amazing. The owner herself (Anita) is great, and has a real passion for what she does, which shows in her outstanding employees! read more