Avi Ky Handcrafted Jewelry

On my down time I like to stroll around New York City and see what the greatest city in the world has to offer in the way of Bead Stores. Here is a list of my faves so far. I will add them as I stumble across them!

Genuine Ten Ten:

Retail & Wholesale:

1012 Avenue of the Americas (also know as 6th ave!)

New York, NY 10018

Phone: 212-221-1173

Wholesale only:

27 West 47th Street #16

New York, NY 10036

Phone: 212-221-0004

I have only been to their retail location on 6th avenue and honestly I didn't even know about their Wholesale location until now! So I will be sure to check it out soon and report what I think. I love their retail location for beads and even for design inspiration. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and they have even helped me name stones I purchased in other stores. What I really like about this location is how neat and organized it is. They just recently renovated and have their beads displayed beautifully and even shorties (like myself- I'm just barely pushing 5'1"!) can reach (mostly) everything with out needing a go-go gadget arm. Their prices are a little high, but they have pretty good quality AND get this folks, the name of the bead is clearly written on each strand so there is no guess work involved when you get home and layout your treasures (we have all been there- its purple? Must be amethyst!) They also have a pretty decent clearance section and you can score some nice stuff for 50% off. They have a wide selection of pearls in a rainbow of colors. I would not go here for findings they don't seem to have that much. They do have a discount card do be sure to ask for that when you go and they also give you coupons for your next purchase.

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Fun 2 Bead

1028 6th ave

New York, NY 10018

(212) 302-3488

I have mixed feelings about this store. They do have a lot of inventory and their prices are good. However, the staff usually can't help you. A couple of times I've gone in looking for something in particular and they told me they didn't have it and low and behold I found it on my own. I have also asked them what something was and they told me they didn't know. Hmmmmm- so you stock this item in your store and you don't know what it is? Not good. With that being said, they have a lot to chose from including some beautiful semi-precious stones (which I am a little apprehensive about purchasing if they are not sure about what cheaper items are), tons of pewter charms and sterling and gold filled findings. They have a basement level where you can get some good deals if you have the time to shop and don't mind the smell of a good ole NYC basement. I believe they do offer wholesale prices although I have never shopped here wholesale. They offer a VIP card to frequent customers that offers 5% off of stuff that is not already discounted.

Toho Shoji New York Inc

990 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10018-5419

(212) 967-2088

If you are looking for Swarovski crystals you just hit the mother load my friends. All the way to the

back of the store are all different colors and sizes of bicone beads. If they don't have the color you are

looking for you have no business having it. By the cash registers they have all different shapes and sizes

Swarovski crystals as well, everything ranging from hearts to flat briolettes. They have a nice selection of

Sterling silver and gold filled findings and if you are looking for metal findings- including chain-they

got you covered too.

Their prices are average- You can definitely find Swarovski Crystals cheaper online.

I am not aware of any discount they offer but I am assuming they sell wholesale because they asked me

for my tax id # but foolish Ky forgot it once again.

MJ Trimming‎

1008 6th Avenue

New York, NY 10018

(212) 391-6200

This might sound a little harsh but don't waste your time here looking for beads. This place is great for all your other creative projects- you fashion guru you. But not beads. They only have a handful of metal charms- and good luck trying to ask someone for help. Just sayin.

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New York Beads

1026 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY‎

(212) 382-2994‎

Very similar to Fun 2 bead- except they don't have the hidden sale lair.

Metalliferous Inc

‎ (so not really beads but I couldn't leave this place out)

34 West 46th Street

New York, NY 10036-4520

(212) 944-0909

I am surprised to find Metalliferous reviews are not the kindest. I love this place. I found the staff most helpful here. As long as you leave your monstrosity that you call a purse behind the counter you can go into the back labyrinth and have at it. Through out the back labyrinth you will find all kinds of delicious findings in base metal. Be sure to bring in a tall friend, or at the very least wear your highest heels because there will be stuff you will want to discover above eye level.

Towards the cash registers are all the sterling silver findings, wire, etc your little heart desires. You can purchase a catalog or you can download one online for free. Or if you are really friendly maybe one of the kind staff will let you take one home for free- wink wink nudge nudge! They are super busy here but they are always happy to help.. As far as I know they are open late on Tuesdays.

The only thing I really wish they have is gold filled findings then this place would be #1 in my book! A girl can dream....

A nice little bonus to this place is there is a little store next door (not sure of the name but on the same floor) that sells beads. I've found some cool stuff here. They have bins and bins of cool vintage beads and buttons too.

The prices at Metalliferous are good. They sell wholesale and also retail. They keep a great list of jewelry design classes and other things you might find useful behind the counter.

Beads World

1384 Broadway

New York, NY ‎

(212) 302-1199‎

Again similar to Fun 2 bead but they have a larger selection. If you are really on a budget I suggest if you see something here-before purchasing- see if they have it else where because I find that their prices although not that much more are slightly higher. With that being said they have a large store with tons of stuff, so I would definitely check it out.

Phoenix Beads

5 West 37th Street

New York, NY 10018-6222

(212) 869-6950

This store is ginormous! They have tons and tons of beads here. The staff is not very helpful so its really just every man (or woman) for themselves. The prices are good retail wise although I have not yet shopped wholesale. I found that I had a hard time trying to figure out what things are but if you can find someone they can most likely tell you.. They do have lots and lots of sale bins in the center of the store and if you have the time they are filled with some pretty decent stuff. I know they do carry findings but I haven't shopped here for any yet, but I am planning on heading there soon.

Lavaliere Sterling and Stones, Inc

1006 Avenue of Americas

New York, NY 10018

If you can get past the romantic lighting this place is ok. I don't usually shop here for beads- they have a smaller selection than the other beads in the area. I do shop here for findings- mostly jump rings. They have a large selection of oval and round in sterling and gold filled. There prices are ok for retail, but again you can find findings cheaper online. Be careful when you do shop for beads- if you are a bead snot like I am you won't appreciate them trying to sell you "amber" that looks suspiciously like glass!

Suma beads

66 W 37th St

New York, NY 10018-7401

I just love this place. There is a very friendly lady here that is always happy to help. I always feel at ease coming here. They have a great selection and I find that for most things the prices are very good. Their quality is good too. This place always has a great selection of sale beads in the center of the store and it is good stuff too- When I went last time it was half off. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! I have bought some ear wires here at a great price. I don't think they have much as far as findings- just the basics.

FYI- there are a couple of good stores back to back on 37th street. I recommend taking a stroll between 5th and 6th before you but anything. There is nothing that makes me more angry when I buy something and its half off next door!

Wonder Sources Inc

48 W. 38th street

New York, NY

212-563-4990

OMG! I heart this place more than life itself. They only sell wholesale for a minimum purchase of $50.00- so its high time to get legal and start paying Uncle Sam.. If for no other reason that you want to get into this store! Don't let the fact that you have to ring a door bell scare you. I'll admit I was ready to say to hell with this but luckily, I grew a set and went in. As soon as I walked in the most friendly man asked if I needed help. He managed to find 2 beads that I was searching for forever (this is what happens when you buy closeouts)! Let me tell you that I could not find these beads ANYWHERE! For this Wonder Sources- I love you. This store is jam packed with every stone you can imagine. The prices are good and the quality is excellent. They don't sell findings here but if that's the only downfall I will take it and like it!

That's all for now! I will add some mores stores soon!