Bernie's Beads — Attraction in Mesa

This is one of THE best brick & mortar bead stores ever. Seriously. I've been buying from this place since the early 90's, back when it was Beads Galore, a hidden gem in the back of an industrial park in Tempe, AZ. They've gone through a few iterations since then to become the great supplier they are today. They have an incredible variety of the highest quality beads available & are experts in everything bead related. It's a wonderful family run business that's been around for a very long time. Bernie is generous, kind & so passionate about the world of beads. He's extremely knowledgeable on the subject. He's travelled the world for many years to amass this HUGE collection of the most gorgeous and amazing beads!! They have an excellent reputation, the customer service is exemplary here & their prices are truly unbeatable. They really work with you to help you find what you're looking for and are generous with the discounts. I've referred many people here & every one of them loves this place now. Make sure you have plenty of time when you go in to visit! You'll be in awe of their collection of trade beads from all over the world, gorgeous Czech beads, pearls, Chinese crystal, Swarovski, natural stone beads, findings, metal beads & pendants, EVERYTHING! I promise- you'll fall in love with BERNIE'S BEADS & the wonderful people that have so lovingly created, nurtured & developed this amazing business to make it what...

I had always seen this store advertised in the back of the beading magazines and always wanted to go there. I live a few hours north, and don't get to that area of town very often. I had some vouchers that I had purchased through living social and deal chicken ,so I finally went there. First of all, I like that you have to lock your purse up there. It's out of the way while you shop and they don't have to worry about people stealing as much. It would be so easy for people to shove things in their purses otherwise, I don't blame them. It kinda made me laugh that people complained about marking their own bags. I don't know where they shop, but just about every bead store I've ever been to [and that is quite a few] is like that! Their selection was fantastic. Yes, not everything I wanted or use is there. I like to use some gem stones and higher quality wire than they carry, but what they have is really nice and very well priced. I loved their selection of crystal. No they didn't have a ton of Sawarvski, but everyone else in the world does so who cares. I found the people there very polite and helpful. There selection and prices were better than those at most shows I attend. I surely will be returning to Beads Galore, whether in the actual store or...

So I did my fair share of driving around Phoenix to different bead stores. I went to four in total. I was there for work so I was limited in time. If I could rank them in 1-4 I would rank this place number 1.

Im new to the bead community so I'm a little num headed when it comes to the difference in beads. The entire staff was extremely helpful. They taught me so much in just in a matter of hours. Not once did they shy away from my questions ( as I had a ton) They were genuinely excited to help me understand all the different beads.

Pricing: Um they have the best prices hands down. I started comparing my prices to other stores I went to before and BIG difference in price. His beads are amazing quality at the right price.

Beads: They had so many different varieties of beads I'd never seen. Mind you I went to three bead stores in Puerto Rico and now four in Arizona. He still has the most unique ones I've ever seen.

I can't stop raving about this place. If I could come to Arizona for a week and just be at that bead store and soak up the knowledge I would. Maybe my job will bring me back to Arizona for a week. Who knows! But if I do come back I know exactly where I'm going to first...