This is a store I have been going to forever, a little treasure on 17th Street. Beads of Paradise began in the late 1980’s as a small store in the East Village. Originally, they specialized in African antiquities, textiles, beads and jewelry- but as interest in world art and beads grew throughout the 1990’s they moved their location to the historic flatiron district. The store carries everything from beads from China; handcrafted silk products, Buddhas and Buddhist amulets from Thailand, retablos from Mexico; and hand-woven textiles from all over the world.
Their beads are truly amazing, with a selection of glass, metal, wood and shell as well as semi-precious stones, collected from across the globe. They also offer jewelry making supplies such as cords, findings and tools. They provide custom jewelry design and repair services on premises, so you can have a perfect piece that you’ve dreamt of creating, or wear again that beautiful necklace that has been sitting in your drawer in pieces. In addition, Beads of Paradise offers beginner jewelry classes for budding designers and bead enthusiasts. So how about starting off the new year by channeling your inner jewelry designer!
Beads of Paradise 16 East 17th Street (212) 620-3780 http://beadsofparadise.com