Bead Paradise At the Studio On the Park

Specialties

We have a new array of handmade matte finished stone beads in crackled crystal, flourite, apatite, opal, turquoise, serpentine, pipestone, and natural onyx. The smooth finish combines perfectly with antique silver and gold beads. We have a huge new selection of natural-​dyed olivewood in various colors, shapes, and finishes. Also, some new etched agate beads in several shapes, sizes, and motifs made using the same process as the ancient carnelian beads from the 2000 BC Indus Valley, but beautifully made in contemporary motifs. Our selection of 18K and 22K gold beads is the best, including many antique gold pendants. We carry all the findings and some earwires with ruby, emerald, sapphire or diamond. We have raw diamond beads, and some various black diamond beads and briolettes.

We also stock natural bath products, women’s clothing, rugs and runners, and all sorts of unique and unusal ethnic gift items. Come check us out!

History

Established in 1987.

Bead Paradise II was founded on August 15, 1987, opening in the upper level of the Co op Bookstore in Oberlin, Ohio. It was an instant success, mainly because there were very few bead stores in Ohio at that time, and after three and a half years there, it was time to expand. The business then merged with a clothing store, also in an upstairs location, called The Studio on the Park. Combining contemporary and unusual women’s apparel with Ruth’s jewelry designs was a perfect fit, and the store grew in both fame and inventory. In May of 1997 the store moved to its current location at 29 West College Street, a three-​story building. In July of 2001, Ruth purchased the building, which is listed in the National Register of Historical Places as part of the Downtown Oberlin Business District.

Meet the Business Owner

Ruth A.

Business Owner

I grew up in the small college town of Oberlin, Ohio and was exposed to music, art and performance my entire life. As a child, I quickly learned to love antique jewelry and beading. Drawn to crafts, I dabbled in many mediums (batik, weaving, spinning, painting, sculpting) but always came back to my favorite love: collecting beads and designing jewelry.

When I was first exposed to African trade beads in 1986, my jewelry designs took an immediate turn, and my quest for «old time» colors, shapes, and patterns for incorporation into my designs became a full-​time obsession.

Ebrima Sillah, my dear husband, who is never ever bored with beads and shares a rich intercontinental life by my side, bridging understanding between African traditions and our American life.