String A Strand On Wells

This is a great little store on Wells that many people do not notice. They specialize in jewelry but also carry purses, hats, clothing and cups/​plates.
The jewelry is of course, the star of the store. There is a huge variety of bracelets, necklaces and earrings that are already made. Additionally, they have beads and pendants that you can buy to make your own jewelry.
The items in this store are all beautiful and if you do not need something for yourself, I would recommend going here to get gifts. You could make something at the store or get something that is already made! Either way, great store with beautiful jewlery.

I love this shop and try to catch them at bead shows. I always stop in when I am in Chicago. They have always been helpful but I think they try to give customers space. The staff are a little quiet and aloof, often working on necklaces for the store to sell, but all questions are answered politely and I like that you are free to spend forever there shopping. You can’t believe the huge baskets of beads of every size and type that they have for you to look through on a table at the front of the store, with a low couch and a few comfy chairs around the table, I love it! And, reasonably priced as they are all 50% off. I have gotten some very unique beads there. I suggest going – their selection is very unusual, rich, elegant, fun, and the basket shopping is fascinating and inspiring!

Wow, what a cool store! I went in looking for a bead to replace one on an earring that had fallen off. When I asked the owner a question about how fix the earring, he sat me down and taught me how to make the earring and showed me which tools I would need. It was basically like a private jewelry making class. Plus, it was about fifteen minutes before the store was closing. Such friendly, helpful staff and one of the coolest stores I’ve been in. I’ll definitely be back!

For being a major U.S. city, Chicago really sucks when it comes to bead stores. There are so few, and I really don’t like almost any of them. I had high hopes for String a Strand on Wells, but I’ve had a pretty bad customer experience each time (3 or 4 visits) thanks to the rude staff. I went in last week and it was definitely the worst of my visits.
I walked in and there was one woman working the front desk (i.e., sitting there making jewelry). She had brown wavy hair and is maybe in her early 40s, in case anyone’s curious or maybe wants to fire her. I found it odd and a bit rude that she didn’t acknowledge me when I came in, especially since the store was empty aside from 2 other customers.
During my visit, I asked for her help several times (it is a pretty large store, after all), and she seemed highly distracted and frazzled the entire time. She also seemed pretty clueless about what the store carried and where things were located. She did apologize for not knowing where the clasps were since they were moved recently, but she seemed to not know where many other items were. For example, I showed her a strand of peach-​colored crystals and asked if they were sold individually — she said no. I later found them in not one but TWO different places in the store. Also, these crystals were featured in several completed necklaces for sale along the back wall. Of all stones, she should’ve been more knowledgeable about these. But it wasn’t just these stones, she was clueless about the location of gold-​filled chain, gold-​filled pendants, etc.
Later, she was helping me with something, and then just stopped to ring someone up. See, I’m patient, I’m not an asshole, and I was also leisurely enjoying my Tuesday afternoon. So, while I don’t mind when a store clerk does this, I do mind that she did it without saying anything at all to me, like, «Actually, please hold on a moment.» That’s just common courtesy! The customer was buying a single ready-​made necklace — it’s not like the woman was distracted with having to calculated multiple items and measure chain, etc.
After going around the store more than 3 times, I asked her where the gold-​filled pendants were — she said they were scattered (no shit, really?). When I asked her to point out a few, she was unable to point out any after looking around, and then said they would be marked as so. She also said that I’d be able to tell because the price is higher. Given that I’m ALLERGIC to mixed metals (I mentioned this), I’m certainly not going to buy the higher-​priced pendant on the guess that, eh, it’s ~probably~ gold-​filled. I’d like to know for sure what it is made of. SIGH.
When I picked out my chain, she did not seem the least bit confident in determining the price since I wanted more chain the length of her measuring stick. I almost whipped out my phone to double-​check the calculations. I probably should have.
When checking out, I changed my mind about something I wanted after she rung me up (I decided to buy a whole bag of jump rings instead of 4 individual ones) — she huffed, and rang me up again. I apologized, but honestly, it’s not that big of a deal, especially when I wasn’t an asshole about it. Also, there was NO ONE ELSE IN THE STORE by this point. Do you have somewhere more important to be?
Lastly, she was really good at deflecting all blame by saying «they» instead of «we» (e.g., «I’m not sure where *they* have it,» or, «I think *they’re* out of that») as if she was a temporary hire or at a shitty summer job. Just a bit bizarre for a grown woman to speak that way about the where she works.
Crappy staff aside, my other main beef with this store is how few gold-​filled items they carry. If you’re allergic to mixed metals like I am, you’re completely out of luck. The gold filled selection here is honestly pathetic. I asked the woman for a gold-​filled clasp — I was given ONE option. I asked for gold-​filled chain — I was given TWO options (excluding the chains with really huge (larger than 1cm) links). A bead store should carry more options of chain and clasps! I realize not everyone ~needs~ to buy gold-​filled materials, but I have never seen so few options in all the bead stores I’ve ever been. As for pendants, as I mentioned above, I was unable to find any. I don’t think the store actually carries zero gold-​filled pendants — I chalk this up to the woman who supposedly «works» there — but given that neither of us could find any, I’m sure there aren’t many.
But hold on, there is one good thing about this store, and probably the only — ONLY! — reason I’ll go back. This store does carry a lot of great stone pendants, and all at extremely reasonable, if not cheap, prices. It is the only thing that is impressive about this store. That alone gets 2 stars.

I love this place! There is often only one person working here, but they do a great job of multi-​tasking and taking care of you. I have gone in before and made necklaces for myself (with just a few stones and it’s super cheap!) and as gifts. I definitely recommend this store!

I’m a big fan of bead stores… There are several good ones in Chicago, but only a few great ones… String-​A-​Strand and Enbedia are excellent ones. If you were a fan of Enbedia (now closed), stop in String-​A-​Strand on Wells. They have a huge selection of quality merchandise, and provide great service. The ladies that work there are wonderful teachers and they’re happy to help create that one of a kind piece. So if you’re in the mood to make something beautiful, stop in String-​A-​Strand and let your creativity grow!

I like all most of the less than favorable reviews for this place have been moved to the not recommended section. The people here are still rude and only seem to want to talk to people who look like they have a lot of money. I guess my money isn’t good enough for them.

I bought a bracelet for $ 30 and a few days later, the clasp broke. I asked for a refund or exchange and got nothing. I had to throw the bracelet out. Will not be coming back.

I came in looking for a very thin chain for a charm. The person who let me into the store kept telling me that they had just finished a craft show, and they were very low on supplies. She told me that they didn’t really have any appropriate chains, and that I should «try back in a few weeks» or «maybe the jeweler down the street.» No interest in helping me, extremely curt, and kind of pushing me out the door.
N.B. There was no one in the store except for me. If you are offering supplies to such a niche market, I’m confused about how a business like this stays open with terrible customer service?
Would not recommend, and will not go back there.

What a great selection of beads and the owners are fantastic and very helpful. I was visiting friends in Chicago and one of them recommended this place. I was hesitant about what my jewelry would look like in the end, however it turned out great. Great place for a girls day or even a kids birthday.

I too have to agree with Blythe that I think some folks have written a review for the wrong store… the woman who owns it has been there for 8 years and I don’t think an older dude is there at all.
I consider myself somewhat crafty in all other mediums but I can’t use a needle and thread to save my life– I put stringing beads and adding a closure in that category. I totally passed this place randomly walking up Wells and stopped in. The store is really cute and there is A LOT to choose from. I would prefer a bit more finished jewelry to choose from, but it seems like if you are as inept as I am they can help you with your project.
There is something for all budgets in here which I think is a nice change from some of the bead stores that have a more crunchy vibe to them. I also like that there are a lot of chains and cords for you to choose from to make your piece more personal. I didn’t buy anything today, but I plan to go back for sure!

I called and asked if this store had work space and tools with which to assemble purchased materials. they said yes. Today I brought a pair of antique clasps, and after some assistance from two sales women, I purchased $ 20 worth of chain to attach to said clasps to make bracelets. One of the women gave me some beading tools with which to cut and fasten the chains.
After about 15 mins of working on the jewelry (during which two different shop workers came by to see my progress) a third told me that I had to leave the work table because she needed all the space to do her own work. I was a rather astonished at her rude tone, and looked bewildered. She scoffed an said, «this space is only for working on things bought here!» I pointed to the chains she’d helped me purchase… «you are working on your own thing!» she proclaimed, and proceeded to *ignore* me from there on out! She actually walked away while I was speaking.
I was flabbergasted. I will never set foot in this shop again. What unparalleled rudeness. This is not how you run a business.

I’m a beader myself and have been meaning to come in here since it opened up 2 months ago… Wow, what a selection of beautiful high quality beads! And the prices are totaly reasonable too. I’ve been dreaming of a store like this for years!
I love that they have all the materials to make your own but also sell gorgeous finished jewelry too. I bought 2 very unique finished pieces (a ring and a necklace — enjoyed the 20% of sale that was going on last weekend) and made my own pendent necklace that was ready to wear when I walked out. The sales lady (potentially the owner) was so sweet and helpful and the other sales associate was a very sweet and patient young woman who had no problem showing me whatever I wanted to see in the display windows. I’m a huge fan and will be making extra stops to Southport from now on! If you like unique pieces and are a crafter, you’ll adore this place!

I first want to say the following: I think some of my fellow Unilocalers have confused this store for a similarly named store on Lincoln Ave. This is «String A Strand on Wells», NOT «String-​a-​Strand». I have never seen an older gentleman behind the counter here, and the staff has always been very friendly, helpful and willing to just let me browse for as long as I like.
That being said, this is my favorite bead store in Chicago. Their selection is excellent; only a few times have they been out of a particular fixture or wiring that I needed. My only dislike is that some of the beads can be expensive; however, I like to buy a large selection of beads and I tend to make more fine jewelry-​like items, so that helps to explain some of my budget challenges. Their stock is so high in quality that I recently purchased gold and sterling silver beads and supplies to create my own wedding jewelry (I have my own pearls already). I will end up with two bracelets and a multi-​strand gold and silver necklace for under $ 70!
They also have some very beautiful ready-​to-​wear pieces for anyone who likes the beads in the store, but doesn’t want to make some of the more challenging pieces.
To sum it up, I love-​love-​love this place.

The String-​A-​Strand on Wells I discovered last summer during the Wells Streets Art Festival and they are GREAT ALL-​AROUND!
— Large, clean, beautiful store
— Good selection (I especially love the Thai silver pendants they have)
— They are in moderate range for price but make up for it with Great sales
— The staff is the most friendly and helpful staff I have ever encountered in a bead store. Specifically, I liked one pendant but the clasp was a little short/​awkward to me. I asked the woman at the desk how she thought it would be hung on a necklace and she took it, quickly wrapped some wire around to make a longer clasp! So quick, easy, and helpful.

I’m surprised at the negative reviews. I would give this place five stars, except the prices seemed a little high.
Selection and colors are fantastic — lots of beautiful gemstones, gold and silver beads and findings, etc. I could have stayed in here all day. I must not have been helped by the owner, because the lady who helped me was very nice. I picked out a string of gemstones, and she showed me all the findings that I could choose from, and then took the time to string the whole necklace for me. I walked out with a beautiful, complete necklace that I have received many compliments on since then.

I was at the Lincoln Square location yesterday while my husband was shopping at a store next door. I wasn’t really expecting to get anything as any piece of jewelery I have ever created had been too gaudy and too loud. But yesterday inspiration struck and I ended up getting a really nice piece.
The man there was very helpful and put the necklace together for me. I’m going back soon and he is going to help me make a starter kit. The piece was a bit more expensive then I had estimated but it was certainly cheaper than getting it at a craft fair.
I didn’t find many beads and ect. that I liked. However a bigger selection might have been overwhelming. Next time you are in Lincoln Square, pop in and see what you can make.

Beautiful hand crafted jewelry for a special gift for a special someone… nice selection of beads and necessities for making jewelry. The owner on the otherhand… has a stick up his booty…
Accused me of «touching» the beads too much.

This place is packed with loads of bead choices. I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it enough to where I’d drag an out of town visitor over to shop ya’know?
Like any other bead place, I find that the staff doesn’t really seem to jump to help out much but it’s not a bad thing cause I’d assume that people stepping into bead stores pretty much know what they’re doing or looking for so customer service isn’t too necessary you know?
Anyway, I got a cool pendant and a bunch of silk cords to switch out for when I wear it with different outfits.
I recommend this place to anyone looking for interesting costume jewelry with a personal touch!

Went here for a private party last week. Beautiful selection, overwhelming at first but the examples up front help get your creativity fired up.
You choose every part — chain type, length, bead. The two women who work there are darlings and very helpful. I love what I ended up with — a unique gold pendant circle overlapping a thin silver metal leaf, with two colorful stones.
They make it right there and then so you can take your creation home. One bit of advice is to do a walk-​around to make sure the pieces fall the way you wanted, and don’t clank against each other (this girl). :)
One star off for being a bit pricey according to my jewelry-​making enthusiasts.