Beads of Paradise

I made my way into this store while on vacation to New York. I have been making jewelry as a hobby for awhile, and this popped up first when google-ing stores in NY. I was blown away by the decor of the store and amazed by how much they had. While a few things seemed familiar from my local bead stores back home., the majority blew me away. The stones, antique trade beads, and unique artifacts were like nothing I had ever seen. The staff was so helpful in informing me of their products - and what they didn't know off hand due to the huge selection - they tried hard to find out all they could. I left with a history of all my purchases. This store is a gem for anyone - not just jewelry designers - for anyone looking for a unique treasure! Pros: Selection, Staff, Gifts Cons: Parking more

I'm a jewelry and bead fiend, so when I find a place I like, I like to spread the good word. Pros: really good quality, friendly service, great advice from staff Cons: location- wish it was further uptown more

Just like what the other ratings say. Way over priced, and poor customer service. Too bad, not all clerks were like this in the store. I had to wait for my card payment to clear for 15 minutes only because the first clerk forgot to include the tax. The second clerk neglected to inform me what the new total $$ was, and swiped my card again. I patiently waited without making a 'fuss'. Then, they completely forgot to hand me what I waited and paid for. I definitely do not need to go there again. Pros: i guess the store does look pretty Cons: customer service + over priced + selection more

I got turned on to Beads of Pardaise thru this site, and have been hooked ever since. Although ""cheap"" or ""bulk"" are not words that apply to this store, the selection is very diverse, and for an avid bead collector like myself..........heaven! It is also one stop shopping for me because of the wide range of trade beads, unusual glass beads, gemstones ect. but also Buddhist amulets and prayer beads, silks, lacquer (gifts for all my friends)!, and collectible/ antiques, which are not my personal passion but I love to appreciate them there. The staff is very helpful and I felt attentive to my questions and needs. I asked one clerk who told me the store was around for twenty years!!!! already....I guess that says alot about the quality of this store! I personally love it and highy recommend it! Pros: selection, attentive service, high quality goods more

Everyone was very nice but I thought that everything was WAY overpriced....to the point of ridiculous. They had some beautiful beads and it was quite an experience, but awfully expensive. Pros: Selection Cons: prices more

I just went to this shop based on the reviews. I've had my fill of ""snotty"" folk in my day and was curious to see how true it was in this case. The folk were not snotty at all. Perhaps work oriented, but certainly not snotty. The salepeople were very happy to help me out and seemed to have fun helping me find beads to match the stone I brought with me. The store was very colorful and I may just go back to buy some of the exquisite jewelry they have on display. As for the prices..they really were too high for my tastes. I still bought what they had anyway because it was exactly what I wanted...and I have out-there tastes. You'll want to carry about $60 with you, give or take. Pros: pleasant, colorful, variety Cons: expensive more

i took a saturday afternoon class here a few weeks ago and had a miserable time. the instructor may have been a lovely jewelry-maker, but she was definitely not a good teacher and could not clearly get her point across to a group of seven. even worse, she was rude and dismissive when asked to further explain what she was teaching. it was a frustrating experience, and i wouldn't recommend the classes to anyone. Pros: nice beads more

I love beads of paradise. It's worth a visit just to soak in all the gorgeous colors and unusual pieces of jewelry, textiles, laquer bowls, devotional items, African hair salon signs...etc. I have never had a bad experience with any of the salespeople, everyone has always been friendly and relaxed. And I wouldn't particularly care if they weren't so nice - the store is that beautiful and unusual. I believe they also offer a jewelry making class. And there is a wide range of prices, even for us folks with great tastes and light wallets! Pros: Gorgeous, Rare, Educational more

Beautiful in color but too cluttered & overwhelming. This store has great merchandise but rediculously overpriced and the manager, she was very snotty and not helpful whatsoever. I got such a negative vibe visiting this store, would'nt recommend to any of my friends. The prices of beads there are a rip off! Pros: great merchandise, good variety, easy access Cons: overpriced, poor customer service, overwhelming more

this isn't a place for avid, professional, or serious beading enthusiasts and jewelry designers. it's a place to pick up a few pieces at random, or in desparate situations (when all the good places are closed, like on weekends). everything is drastically overpriced and the employees are total snots. the windows are somewhat interesting, sometimes. you can't buy anything in bulk - everything is picked and priced individually. i'm surprised it's stayed in business so long. Pros: location, exotic window items Cons: WAY overpriced, no good for bulk buys, snotty employees more