Eyebeads and Gemstones, Omaha, Nebraska
Eye LOVE Eyebeads!
Eyebeads and Gemstones is located in Omaha, Nebraska's historic Old Market district, at 515 S 13th Street (13th and Jackson). With the defining statement "Omaha's largest selection of pearls and gemstone beads in many unique cuts", you expect a lot...and Eyebeads delivers!
Walking into the store, you are immediately assaulted with a sensory overload of beads, stones, pearls, finished jewelry, and the overall sense of artistry. This is a GOOD thing, in case you are wondering! After the initial shock of seeing hundreds of styles and thousands of individual strands to choose from, settle in for a bead shopping experience like no other.
Pick up a velvet-lined tray from the counter near the front door, and begin browsing...pick strands of glass and man-made beads, genuine stones and freshwater pearls from the well-stocked, nicely merchandised walls. Stone quality on the wall ranges from okay to excellent...check carefully as no returns are allowed. I have rarely been disappointed with the quality of my purchases at Eyebeads, but be sure to thoroughly examine your strands for the quality you desire.
Beads are arranged by type and/or color for easy shopping, and the selection is enormous — multiple cuts, shades and sizes in nearly every type of stone and bead imaginable. You'll find everything from Cat's Eye to Turquoise, Amethyst to Lava, Tiger Eye to Quartz...and everything in between! Throughout the store you will also find single focal pendants, lampwork beads, and cabochons.
Retail prices for on-the-wall stock range from under $10 on up. Specials on chips, dyed shells and lower-grade stones are ongoing. For those with a little more cash in their pockets or a special stone in mind, display cases with precious gemstones (rubies, emeralds, tourmaline, etc.,) are located in the back of the store.
Additionally, Eyebeads and Gemstones offers an extensive selection of Bali, Hill Tribe and sterling silver beads and findings, as well as vermeil and limited selections of pewter. Sterling and gold wire and bulk chain are also available at a "per foot" price. Swarovski crystals in bicone, cube and rounds are available, but are pricey compared to most online retailers.
Lastly, Eyebeads offers high quality tools at very reasonable prices, beading wire, leather lace (by the foot)...basically anything you need to make your beading experience complete!
Stock is kept fresh, with new beads arriving at the store often. Sign up for the email newsletter and receive notification in the form of tempting descriptions that will have you standing at the store waiting for the doors to be unlocked!
Customer service is top notch. Pam and Kenton Bates' homey, yet professional manner helps everyone feel at ease in the store. Need help matching stones? Pam's expertise will help guide you to combinations you may never have considered. You can even pick out your beads and have a piece designed for you...or string the beads yourself and have the professional staff complete the finishing touches with crimps and findings.
Professional beaders receive special discounts (why do you think I love this place so much?)...please ask prior to your first purchase for details.
Bottom line, I "heart" Eyebeads and Gemstones in Omaha, Nebraska. Even when I just stop in for "bread and milk" (my equivalent of I just need a couple of basic items), I end up leaving with handfuls of impossible to resist items. A combination of great products, decent pricing (even at retail), a welcome atmosphere and superb customer service make Eyebeads and Gemstones one of my top picks in brick and mortar stores.
