Harlequin Beads & Jewelry

I would give it 0 stars if I could. I don't know where all these good reviews are coming from. I've never met anyone that said they had a satisfactory experience at Harlequin, or even a marginal experience come to think of it. I don't know anyone that goes to Harlequin bead store anymore and they all list the same reason: a really rude staff. It's always the same story. There is a tendency for staff members to act very polite when you're looking at something expensive, only to literally turn their nose up at you and ignore you for the remainder of your visit when you say that you're "just looking at it". Staff members tend to run hot and cold. I've never experienced such outright snobiness and callous behavior. Their catalog claims that they are a business that you should trust because they are honest about how they don't know if certain stones are actually what they claim to be. This is not a good excuse. If you can't assure your customers that what you are selling isn't the real deal, THEN DON'T SELL IT. Even though my beading friends and I all live about 10 minutes or less away from Harlequin- we have no problem driving out of our way to give our money to a different business that deserves it. As a side-note, I also find that they are way overpriced. If they were cheap and rude, I might be able to deal with the rudeness... but it's just not worth it. more

Good: A tremendous selection, at affordable prices, including vintage and antique beads from around the world.. Bad: I love everything about this store--the staff are warm, helpful, and extremely nice. I always feel welcomed. It's very relaxing and pleasant working on projects in the back room, and meeting other customers. There's a real sense of community.. Other: I'm surprised by another poster's negative review--I literally can't imagine a nicer store. The beads and gems are amazingly beautiful, the staff are terrific, the prices are entirely reasonable--what more could you want? Be sure to get on their mailing list, so you'll know about monthly specials, sales, and trunk shows.. more

If you interested in beading, you will love this store. They carry beads in all colors and styles including some imported ones. They also have all the findings and string supplies you need to complete your creations. They offer several classes on beading and they are organized well for a reasonable cost. They have beginning as well as advanced classes. more

Harlequin Beads is located on the downtown Eugene mall, near the Lane Transit bus depot. This is a great spot to shop for arts & crafts supplies, or purchase unique gifts for those you care about. The front window display is always filled with examples of jewelry that you can learn to make at in-store classes. They also display items that local artists have designed - many unusual and beautiful pieces. Inside, the walls are lined with more jewelry and supplies for do-it-yourself beading. Take a tray and start choosing the beads that call out to you -- there's always something new and pretty to catch your eye. Design books, clasps, and tools to make your own chain share space with strands of fresh water pearls, wild-colored glass, sparkly European beads and calming Asian influenced stones. Prices range from less than a dollar to more than my budget will allow. If you are a disciplined window shopper, this can be a free trip -- but it's hard not to open your wallet when you see some of these beauties! more

I go to Harlequin Beads to get all my beading necessities. I love the selection and the staff. I also enjoy attending their classes they offer. I feel great supporting a local business. The pricing is great and I always find exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to whatever project I'm working on. more