Omgosh this store was recommended by my Hair Sprinkles Mentor ! Anywho I found some really unique items very pleased with my purchase and the service read more

What a lovely store with very helpful staff and a nice selection of beads and supplies at reasonable prices! Been getting back into jewelry making and have been overwhelmed with where to start and needing some technical guidance, so I decided to take a private class at S & A. Regan was my instructor. She was a very patient and insightful teacher who offered a wealth of knowledge, tips and tricks. I scheduled the class while I was shopping in the store and showed her a few of the items that I had an interest in learning how to make. She did I great job of listening and then tailoring a class accordingly. Once we had our session, it was very loose and she continued to structure the direction according to my whims. All while remaining very intentional. Great experience! Go check them out! Even if you're not into making anything, they have a fine selection of unique handmade jewelry for buying. read more

S&A Beads did a beautiful job on two recent necklace repairs I took to them. They handled the repairs with utmost care and returned the necklaces to me within a week. The first was an onyx bead necklace which they restrung and carefully knotted them between each beads, and the second repair was a graduated strand of Native American silver beads. S&A''s restringing services are excellent and I highly recommend them for both quality of repairs and price. read more

Excellent service in repairing my earrings. They carry a wide selection of silver and other metal beads. The couple who run the business are charming. Good value, good selection, good service. read more

I came in a couple of weeks ago with my friend to buy some stones and an ankh piece, and we had a good time looking around an chatting with the knowledgeable staff. Fast forward to today 6/12, I came in to buy a few rings to add some pieces to my charm bracelet and I was greeted by the owner and another very pleasant woman who helped me find exactly I needed. I bought some pliers and a few other gold pieces to add to my charm bracelet, and I really like how the prices here are pretty reasonable. They've got TONS of stones and beads, and rings, and so many other things. Nice vibes and very peaceful. read more

I truly recommend everyone to come to this place! The service and the patients was wonderful. I was able to find what I was looking for and was put together beautifully . Will be coming back! read more

S & A Beads - Howlett - Jewelry Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This store is awesome! The people who work there are so knowledgeable and kind. I have bought many items from here and I have brought friends who have also enjoyed it. What's really special is that the women who work there are artists and craftspeople. They make beautiful unique pieces of jewelry and also make custom pieces. It's a really special and magical store with very positive energy. I would recommend it to anyone. read more

It was wonderful to get a chance to visit this bead shop in Takoma Park, MD. I've visited their website, but there is something about the human experience, even during our health related constraints. Both of the women in the shop were approachable and extremely helpful. There is a beautiful selection of beads as well as finished pieces of jewelry to choose from. Can't wait until my next project. Thank you for making me feel valued as a consumer and a human being. Peace read more

I LOVE S & A Beads and am glad that they moved their brick-and-mortar store from the Laurel Ave. location to the present Carroll Ave. location. I go there to get garnet, amber, whatever I might suddenly fancy, and, of course, earring stops. One of these days, I'll go all out and make a necklace. Long live S &A Beads! read more

I can't give enough stars to this place. I rushed in with an odd request and they exceeded my expectations in such a short timeframe. I'm so thankful to Reagan (spelling? sorry if misspelled) for being so warm and so patient with me. Great selection of stones and beads. Good vibes. Also knowledgeable staff! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I can't wait to wear these pieces. read more

Located among the dwindling shopping area in Takoma Park which has definitely seen some better days, this shop has a large assortment of beads to peruse when you have a bit of time on your hands. The woman who was working the day I was in here was happy to assist me and provided several interesting stories regarding some of the beads they carry there. This shop is more expensive than any other bead store in the area, but they do have some cool finds if you are prepared to look. You can park behind the store for free! read more

Among the artsy crafty stores in and around Old Town Takoma Park, this store is a great find. It is verrrry small so if there is more than 2 customers in it, it turns into extremely tight quarters. I stopped in here on my tour o' bead stores. The staff is knowledgeable, but chill and was helping out some newbies with their necklaces and bracelets. This store delivers in having a large selection of all kinds of beads: African, stone, Asian, glass and more. They also have cool stuff to accent your jewelry or shoes like Croc and Evil Eye charms. If you don't have enough time to make this kind of stuff yourself, they sell pre-made jewelry, too. read more

S & A Beads - Jewelry Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great selection, great customer service. My only complaint is that I purchased some beads whose holes weren't drilled all the way through. So I couldn't use them. All 5 of them unfortunately. This location is not close to me at all, so going back wasn't worth it, so I was out of $7. read more

I don't know what it is about me and this place, we just can't make it happen. I have been in here several times, all for different valid reasons, and every time I feel like the staff is totally disinterested in my business. I spent $275 on one of those visits and they were just as indifferent and cold as the times I went in and dropped $10. I don't ask much. Just say "Thank you" or "You too" when I part with "Thanks, have a nice day". I have gone in on three occasions over a period of years to have something repaired, and while they offer repair services, they have found some lame excuse not to repair my items. If you only want to make custom jewelry for people or only want to repair your own custom pieces, just say that. Don't offer a service and then deny it for arbitrary reasons. Go to Beadazzled. The prices are better and the staff won't judge you for trying to shop in their store. read more

Just left the store with my sons, we were interested in some rocks for our collection...the sales person approached us, in front of all the other costumers, to say that the kids should put the beads back were they belonged after looking at them, that was exactly what they were doing, so I told her (they are VERY nice and polite kids!!!), and she said: "oh ok! But do they have sticky fingers?". What??? No they don't have "sticky" fingers!! They wash their hands very frequently, I know many adults who don't!! I wonder if she asks that to everyone who comes into the store!! Very rude!!! read more

S&A gets three stars for having a large inventory, but only three because the quality is low and the prices high. I don't imagine myself ever buying any beads or supplies here, but someone who is just getting started on the hobby might enjoy a visit. A lot of the glass beads are low quality India-produced, rather than nicer Czech, so the clarity and regularity in size/shape are poor and the prices are really high for that kind of quality. I'd say the prices are even higher than Beadazzled, and that's saying something. However, other than beads they have a lot of fun little items like socks, hats, change purses, etc. This would be a great place to get a cool gift for a little girl (or a big girl who likes cutesy stuff). read more

I must confess, I don't spend a lot of time in bead stores. But where better to be initiated then Takoma Park, after all. Why not wander in after eating a nice chocolate croissant at the farmer's market? Here's why I love S&A beads. Say you have a thing for alligators, and you want alligator earings. Bingo, five minutes later, they are made for you. Or, say you need gifts for two sisters AND you mom, because for whatever insane reason all of your birthdays fall in the same week. Well, someone is there to help you find the perfect gift for everybody. And who knows, while poking around S&A beads, you might discover that beads from all over the world have a (really) long and fascinating interwoven history. You can leave feeling that your hippy soul has been fed and adorned. read more

I've always come here when I am in the mood to be the creative gift giver (like yesterday) when I saw one single large bead and HAD to buy it & make something for one of my friends that would truly appreciate it. This is one of those cute little shops that really gets your mind working. They also have jewelry making classes that you can come there for (for a small fee$) and learn how to make some amazing things so you don't have to go to the stores in hopes that they have something you've been waiting for find for a long time. Go test out your creative jewelry making skills! read more

The staff is friendly, attentive, and patient. I always spend 3xs the time I expect there, just looking and asking questions. Their help was invaluable to me in starting up a jewelry biz. The advice I got and free tutorials in techniques definitely makes it way more valuable than just ordering the stuff off Amazon. Pro Tip: they have an AWESOME selection of gemstones (with hols through them, to use as beads). The stuff of dreams. It took me 10+ trips there to figure out that not only do they have every color of the rainbow, if you pull back the first layer of things hanging on the rack, they have 10+ variations of size, cut, price, etc. A total steal-- prices are WAY better than on etsy, amazon, etc. read more

" Oh this way madness lies - let me shun that No more of that" I thought I was going to die. Me, three kids under 10 in a bead shop the size of a broom cupboard and four thousand buckets of 10 million beads ready to be cast asunder. This was a recipe for disaster. Instead, we had a fantastic time - the place was busy, but the staff were superb and under the staff's expert tutelage - the kids made magnificent necklaces. read more

I adore this store - it's full of beads and charms for every budget and project. I have always experienced a very friendly staff that puts up with me sorting through the beads for what seems like an hours to find the perfect fit. Sometimes the veteran customers will help out and encourage you with your projects. There is a bucket with random charms and a few valuable pieces thrown in to make it feel like a true treasure hunt. They have all different types of beads & charms from around the world (some highly valuable and rare) as well as a few rough/organic shaped crystals if you're into that sort of thing. There are also plenty of premade pieces that make great gifts or treats for yourself. There is a chest of tumbled stones that are about fifty cents each that's great for stone collectors (beautiful pieces of red jasper, sodalite, clear quartz, etc.) If you're in the area you should definitely stop in and look around, you're bound to find something you like that fits your budget. It's a lovely little store that I adore visiting & I've never encountered poor customer service. read more

I love this store. It isn't a giant craft store but you can find creative items. The employees are friendly.

The people in that store changed my life. They have taught me about beads, making jewelry & even helping me with my business. They go above and beyond customer service. I've been to all of the bead stores in the tri state area & overall S&A Rocks! It's a one stop shop! If they don't have it Zoe will find it. If you can't make it, Cheryl will teach you. Brynna is there to help you find everything you need. Love Love Love that store & you will too! read more

It's easy to overlook this shop. It blends in nicely with the rest of the welcoming hippie shops in Takoma Park. The staff are always super friendly and helpful, but their stock is not so great. They don't carry as much a variety as I had expected, and what they did have was more expensive than Beadazzled in Dupont Circle (something I never thought could happen). It's a fun store to poke around in if I have some time to kill, but I don't think I've ever walked out of there with a purchase. read more

Lovely shop, but.... After reading other posts I'm not alone. Staff needs customer service training or let go to find jobs not dealing w/public. Bad attitudes: unhelpful, uninterested and downright snooty. Observed nasty behavior by them toward a customer. Concluded it was intolerance of the look -- beard, tattoos. Disappointed and amazed that owners allow it. I talked to the guy-- Combat Veteran of Iraq War; also spent time in Haiti rebuilding after hurricanes. Nicest guy. Earns extra selling jewelry. Lesson for owners & staff: you can't pick your customers. And.....NEVER judge a book by its cover. read more

I just love stores that have a ton of stuff for you to ohh and aww over. You just want to touch and buy everything. The staff is always super nice and helpful. You end up finding stuff you didn't know you needed/wanted. Most recently I got two pairs of earrings which I think were made in house. My mother LOVED the pair of beaded cowrie shell earrings I gave her. Each time you're in there you find something fun and new. read more

I usually order supplies online, but I needed a few things and thought the convenience would justify the high prices. I have been here 3 times in the last few months and I always feel like I am intruding. The last time I went the man I asked for assistance walked away to help someone else who came in the store after me. They do have a great selection of funky animal beads. read more

I called this shop to see if they had 8mm lava beads. The lady told me they had a bunch. I drove over 30 minutes. When I got there, they didn't have that size at all. The older gentleman was nice enough, but that was a true waste of time and gas. Not good. read more

I have been going to this place for many years. It is the only place I can get my favorite incense! Over the years I've picked up many unique pieces that I've kept or given as gifts. The store is a centerpiece of old town Takoma Park. It has withstood the test of time and I hope to be going there for many years to come. Staff is super helpful and very friendly. The owner is often working and knows a lot about the beads she is selling. If you're looking for cool beads, jewelry, or something unique, this is your spot. read more

This store has been a favorite destination of mine for ten years now, because as I grow in my own tastes and abilities I find new items to inspire my creative spirit in this shop. It has plenty to challenge the craftsperson among its beads and craft supplies from around the world. It also has great gifts for the lazy person, and plenty of locally made jewelry. Today I found celtic knotted rings crafted from telephone wire that were beautiful and inspiring. Also, they have moderately priced clothing and hats and they carry funky socks by Sock It To Me. They also have hemp cord in several weights and sometimes in more than one color. read more

S&A Beads is wonderful! Great socks, incense, beads, repairs, and much more. The new location is conveniently located and the staff are always a delight. Highly recommend! read more

Helpful staff. Great ideas if you want input. Incredible variety of beads. I found some vintage African beads for my sister to use in her creations. You can spend an hour in this packed little shop. read more

My wife is a huge beader, so before her birthday I went in just looking to see if they had anything I could get from her. I had a really nice talk with Cheryl, and ended up getting my wife a gift card and a private lesson. The store is very clean and well-organized, and the people who were working that day were very friendly. Very neat to see a small locally owned bead store doing so well. read more

I absolutely love this store! The beads and jewelry are beautiful and reasonably priced. The members of the staff are friendly and extremely helpful. Cheryl, in particular, is an exceptional beading teacher, jewelry designer, and jewelry repair expert. She's the very best in the field of beading and jewelry-making that I've found in the Washington metropolitan area. And, if you want to learn how to bead, just take one of Cheryl's classes held right there in the store during non-business hours. S&A Beads is truly a Takoma Park Treasure! read more

Friendly staff repaired a necklace and a pin for me while I waited. $5 for each item, including finding unusual little parts needed. She said she enjoys the challenge of repairing odd items. HIGHLY recommend! read more

S&A Beads is a jewel that is hard to find. I have several pieces that they have breathed life in again and again but moreover their bead selection and jewelery is unique and exceptional. I have bought several pieces as gifts which have received rave reviews from the person I gave it to as well as her friends when she wears them. It is hard to find old world, unique businesses like S&A Beads and well worth the visit when you shop there. read more

This place is a gem. It's one of my favorite places on the planet...b/c of the really cool jewelry and stuff to make jewelry (if you're into that), but mostly b/c of the incredibly sweet, talented, creative staff...starting with Cheryl and extending to everybody else. Cheryl made my wedding jewelry, which is simply awesome; she fixes broken jewelry, repurposes jewelry (like taking my bad a** cufflinks and transforming them into earrings, or using parts from my mom's vintage necklace and creating matching earrings.) I've seen other creations made by Cheryl for customers' special occasions and it's really just amazing. Going to S & A Beads is cheap mental health, just plain fun, and I know I look GOOD in my S & A jewelry. They also have some cool clothing, belts, purses, etc., etc., etc. Check 'em out. read more