Bead It Inc

A very helpful and knowledgable woman showed me how to assemble a simple item using mixed materials. They didn’t have what I was looking for, but I like what I ended up with. They seem to stock quality items. If you are new to jewelry making and want to pick up some tips on how it all works, need to make something right now, or want a fun way to spend an afternoon, visit Bead It.

Came in today &got helped right away. So happy that they fixed my necklace that I absolutely can’t live without!!! Made my day thank you so much. Total cost $ 3!!!

Time to update this review!
Bead It is a jewelry/​craft store that not only has beads, but chains, bangles, charms, etc! Ive been here a few times to get things for charms that I had received, and have had pretty good service every time.
Located next to Sprout, across the street from the Elementary school, there are a few street parking stalls up front or in the nearby parking lot that is metered.
This place is my usual go to place whenever I need a new chain or to make a bracelet, and is decently priced. I recently went since I had gotten a cute owl charm from Japan and wanted to make a leather cuff bracelet or some sort, and was lookin for supplies. Also, one of the chains that my sister had given to me (thats always hanging in my car) had broken recently, so I wanted to see if they could possibly repair it.
I went in and was greeted immediately. I looked around but didnt see the leather cuff (bummer), but I liked that I wasnt hounded with questions about what I was looking for (yes yes, I am one of those shoppers!). I went up to the front counter and asked if they were able to repair my chain. A couple of the girls took a look at it and nodded, saying that it looked like a pretty easy fix.
One girl took her pliers and worked on it like nothing and was done in a few minutes. She gave me the clasp in a mini zip lock just in case I wanted it. When I asked how much I owed her, she said nothing! :)
Mucho gracious, Bead it! Even though you didnt have what I was lookin to buy, youre still my go to place!

Waited patiently in front of one of the workers who was helping another person. No worries I can wait. But no acknowledgement or «I’ll be right with you»… nothing. After a couple minutes, I put everything I was going to pick up back and walked out. I don’t even think they knew I was there to begin with. No customer service what so ever! Definitely not going back there. The Bead Gallery and Ben Franklin are WAY better and friendlier!

I’ll have to downgrade my review from 4 to 3 (maybe lower later on…) Just because they won’t label their vermeil charms as other charms, i. e GF, SS… And I bought so many over priced «GF» charms… oops! They are vermeil!
Further more, their wired are terrible! The tarnish-​resistant one starts tarnishing after only ONE WEEK! And the non-​tarnish one, which I expected it would be better, is also horrible! Im sure that I handle wires with so much care. When I scratched the wire, it turned from gold to silver, something that used to coated the wire was gone! Non-​tarnish is just a joke. How could I make jewelry then!
Don’t wanna stop by ever more.
Ooo… I just read all other reviews and I think 3 is still too high. 2 was for their customer service, which was not bad (for me). I don’t know why I’m so glad to read others bad experience reviews… And now I decide never go to Bead it again.

Beware! Don’t shop here! Bead it means Beat it!
Last week I purchased seed beads here. I must have bought 9 or 10 tubes, about ¹⁄₃ of them on sale, ²⁄₃ at regular price, for a total of 43.00. None were labeled with a color description, just a number, and some tubes were not in the correct places, so it was time consuming to pick colors and also get them back in proper places, as none of the slots were labeled. At home, I realized that I had a duplicate color, so I returned this past Saturday to exchange it for a different color and also buy some more tubes.
The tube I wanted to exchange was a full price tube, and I wanted to exchange it for another full price tube. NO deal! ALL sales final! I wasn’t asking for a refund, didn’t want to exchange it for one on sale, just a no-​money involved and a color swap transaction.(and I was going to spend more money!). Basically, I politely told the clerk that their policy was a turn off, and I will never shop at that store again. Bella Beads and The Bead Gallery are very close to each other in Kalihi and have an extremely nice atmosphere with happy shoppers and students in class. Creations by You on Liliha St. was also recommended by an avid beader friend who spends thousands of dollars on beads and makes the most exquisite beaded necklaces. I wish she had warned me ahead of time about Bead it.
I have read other reviews about Bead it, and it seems I am not alone in my reaction to this store.

This place is okay. It’s a small business so things are pretty pricey and the bead selection (both loose and strands) is limited, especially for what you can get from vendors on Etsy or at other stores. Even so, it is nice to actually see the beads you’re getting in person (as opposed to trying to judge by photos on Etsy) and (for me) not having to drive 20 minutes to the next closest store.
I understand that buying from a small business will usually mean paying a little more. That said, I have come to expect that if I’m paying nearly double what I would pay elsewhere, service should be excellent. Overall, customer service Bead It can really range depending on who’s there – sometimes it can take awhile to get helped (or acknowledged) if they are busy chatting with a regular or working on their own project at the counter and sometimes the employees are unfriendly.
I think if Bead It could step up its customer service game, I could upgrade this to a 4-​star review. Unfortunately, even while understanding that small businesses must charge more and have less variety to stay afloat, the high prices and limited selection would prevent this from becoming a 5-​star review.

I’ve been meaning to get into a new hobby, so instead of trying to teach myself wire wrapping, I decided to sign up for the wire basics class here.
The fee was $ 40 and included all of the materials to make a wire-​beaded bracelet. We were provided with printed instructions on the materials used, as well as tips on different types of wire. The printed packet also included step-​by-​step instructions w/​photos on how to make the bracelet.
I originally felt nervous since I went alone and did not sign up with a friend. However, the other students were nice, friendly, and helped me to not feel bad for being lost during some steps.
The instructor (Cathy) was VERY nice and patient with everyone. She also gave up trouble-​shooting tips and info on what to do if X happens. She also made it a point to make sure we understood the steps and specifically said, «I want to show you so that when you go home you won’t get stuck if this happens.»
I definitely feel that the class was worth $ 40, especially because the materials were provided and Bead It also provided tools for use. The included wire for the bracelet wasn’t junky wire, but actually sterling silver. I believe the beads were also semi-​precious stones, but if not, at least of quality material (they were NOT plastic beads).
If you sign up for a class, Bead It gives you a coupon for 20% off items in their store for (I think) a month or two.
The class was very fun for me and I will definitely be signing up for more in the next few months!

I’ve taken many classes from here and enjoy everyone of the employees and instructors.

I am a «frequent flyer» at Bead It! because I live dangerously close to this precious little shop! I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes as well as completing projects on my own time after learning the proper techniques in class. They have wonderful customer service and the teachers are excellent. Every time I swing by with questions or am in need of advice or tumbling, the employees have been extremely helpful. If you’re on the fence, I highly suggest trying a basics class and see what you’re capable of! After your class, you get an awesome discount that lasts for a month. HAVE FUN!

A bit pricy but they do have pretty materials! Every time I visit this place, I get a lot of ideas!

I originally purchased a Living Social deal and took the Bead It class. I didn’t use the coupon from the class for future purchases right away and it expired. I returned to the store to eventually buy beads to start my first project a few months later and spent over $ 200 buying tools, beads and supplies. As soon as I got home I noticed I had an email from Bead It for a 25% off sale they were having the next day. I immediately called the shop and asked if I could use the coupon or return my merchandise and re-​purchase it. I received a call back stating that all sales are final and that I wouldn’t be able to use the coupon, unless I wanted to come back to shop and buy additional beads/​supplies.
As a marketing professional myself I value customer service greatly for my company and try to bend over backwards to make sure we always have a great outcome from a customer inquiry. Especially since it’s more expensive to find a new customer then retain an existing one.
I feel that this was a bad experience for a new customer and hopefully this review will help. I won’t be shopping at Bead It again.

I had an employee help me create and put my necklace together. She was an older chinese lady and she will give you the utmost respect to help you. Some of the other younger girls need to learn more about customer service, know how to smile more often, and/​or need an attitude check. I said some, not all. Bottom line is that the older chinese lady is very nice and has a lot of knowledge/​great suggestion to help you with all of your jewelry needs. I recommend her. I didnt get her name though but she is excellent!

As a long time customer, if you’re looking for certain speciality items be sure to check here first, but I must warn their customer service has dwindled dramatically over the years. For those who have had good service, lucky you.
I entered looking for letter pendants to make for gifts, however they didn’t have all the letters I wanted in stock. Eager to help me, one associate quickly contacted the other locations if they had any at their locations. Both quickly responded via email or text on the associate’s phone that they were all out on their end. That was the only great thing.
Saddened by my missing letters, I asked if there was a chance the buyer would return again. She wasn’t sure and said this «This was here for a while, where were you? You should’ve come earlier!» I think she was thinking it was a joke, but I felt like she was scolding me, the customer.
That did it… seriously you’re going to blame me just because I didn’t know to come earlier when you folks had these in stock? How was I supposed to know you folks had these earlier?
I’m sorry Bead It, but you make it really hard for me to return if you’re going to treat customers like that.

I’ve only been to Bead It a few times (once w/​a friend who was looking to make make jewelry, twice on my own), never once have I had any bad experiences or rude customer service.
There’s usually 1 – 2 people there, so you might be on your own for a bit until they get to you, but I never mind that because it gives me time to look around without feeling pressured to buy anything.
I stopped in a few weeks ago to have a couple bracelets repaired and re-​beaded:
1) Amber bracelet needed new wires since it was starting to fray:
— The helpful sales rep suggested 1 mm Stretch Magic, telling me that it’s «the strongest cord we have here, it won’t snap or break easily».
— She gave me a foot’s worth for $ 0.25 and left me alone to bead it myself while she tended to my other broken bracelet
***FYI, you’re responsible for your own beading and jewelry making. They will help you to finish it with the crimping and clasps, but don’t come here all snooty and expect them to do everything for you.
2) I needed to shorten bracelet #2 because it was so big that I was able to slip it on/​off without having to undo the clasp.
— The same sales rep went to work right away in snipping off the existing end crimp, excess wires and removed a few beads from the bracelet. Before reattaching everything, she double-​checked by wrapping it around my wrist to make sure I was happy w/​the final length.
****Crimp service was $ 3 (I had a couple extra charms that she was nice enough to add on, free of charge), the 2x2mm crimp bead was $ 0.26.
Total visit cost me $ 3.51, which isn’t very much at all.
— I know I could’ve bought my own roll of Stretch Magic cords for $ 3 online (excluding shipping), but I would still have to buy crimping beads and crimp pliers to do everything else, so Bead It definitely saved me money.
Since they’re usually busy helping customers, you might have to call them a couple times before they pick up. However, the person who took my call was friendly and very helpful in suggesting which type of materials would work well for my bracelets. She was quite patient and nice, she really took the time to answer my questions, so I’m surprised w/​the negative feedbacks from some reviews.
Ample parking in the metered lots behind the shops ($ 0.75/hour).
Thanks Bead It!

As a new enthusiast to the art of beading and crafting, I found this store to be very cool.
Parking is tough since it’s in the busy part of Kaimuki. I’ve been lucky to find street parking on most of my visits (usually Sundays) but there’s always the paid lot which is pretty reasonable.
Sure, the materials here are on the pricey side. But unlike Ben Franklin or a lot of other bead places I’ve looked at, this is one of the only places that sell most of their beads ala carte. As a newbie, I don’t really want to invest in a ton of beads/​fastenings I’m not sure I’m going to use! Shopping at Bead It is a great way to explore the field of beading and pick up cute beads individually without having to buy entire packages of them. They have a great variety of beads from Australian crystals to shells/​pearls to gemstones, plastic beads, metal beads, and more!
They also offer introductory classes where they teach you how to make items and let you go home with a finished product (s)! I was first introduced to here by taking their basics earring class.
iD card discount: 15% off. If you take their classes you get a discount card for 20% off for a month!

I have a plethora of shells that I’ve collected over the years and with no intentional purpose of using them, I decided I should make jewelry with them. I had heard some good things about Bead it classes, so I decided to look into it. After taking 3 classes (and about $ 250 later), I have come to the conclusion that the classes are made for people who have little to no experience working with their hands and have no real intention of making jewelry after taking the class. I work as an orthodontic assistant – I am working with my hands all day long, using pretty much the same tools that we used in the classes. I understand that most people aren’t orthodontic assistants, I just wish Bead It didn’t make it mandatory to take basic classes before taking more advanced classes for people who already know how to use basic tools.
After you take basic classes, you can take more advanced classes. The more advanced classes do not include materials, so plan on spending about $ 100 per class for the class itself and the materials. I thought that the more advanced classes were not complete; we were able to take home a finished product but not really taught how to finish the product ourselves leading me to feel that these classes are just really expensive pastimes for some people.
I don’t think I will be returning to Bead It. I found a jewelry supply store online that is much less expensive and has free shipping. The supplies I’ve found on the website look suspiciously like the things Bead It carries, at about half the price. There are also free educational videos on the same site.

The earring basics class I had here with the instructor Pam was actually really good and enjoyable. The instructor was very warm, patient, and knowledgeable. I will take more classes here as long as it is taught by her.
I gave this store only two starts because when I went back to shop in it I received not so great service from one of the sales people, Jasmine. I was new to jewelry making, so I had a few questions, to make sure I was purchasing the right supplies for my project. She gave me such an attitude and was very rude to me. At first I thought maybe she was just busy or in a bad mood, but after looking at other Unilocal reviews, it seems that others have had similar experiences. I would have rated Bead It much higher if I had received better service.

Nice selection of beads and findings… Gotta control yourself. Just buy a few. You can always come back.
A bit pricey, but I guess it has to be since they have such a nice assortment.

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!
A stone had fallen off a piece of costume jewelry & several friends suggested getting a replacement from a bead store. I called Bead It since they are just up the street from me. 3x within the hour with no answer. On the 4^th attempt, my call was finally answered. The sales girl was curt and confirmed they had what I was looking for. When I innocently asked if they also carried the stone without the hole, she scoffed & said «No. This is a BEAD shop!» When I tried to explain the only reason I was asking was because I’d be gluing it, I was met with silence on the other end. Complete silence. Wow, what’s up with the attitude?!! Horrible.
I ended up calling 2 other bead stores who were not only friendly, but very helpful. While Bead It has what I am looking for, I will be driving 20 min. out of my way to spend my money with a business that actually realizes the value of customer service.