I wrote about the quest to find good sources of quality beads about 3 years ago. Back then I shared information about the shop I found, Magpie Gemstones.  I no longer buy gemstone beads so often as I once did, but when I do  – I often end up buying from Magpie. I also try to shop from another good source of quality beads, Nelson Beads.

As Magpie, Joanne at Nelson beads will give you all information you need to make a knowledgeable purchase.  She focuses on round gemstone beads, and has a variety of different gemstones. Some of the beads she carry are absolutely gorgeous. Just check out her golden obsidian for example. I have made myself a pair of earrings using these, and I just love them.  She also carried some remarkable rose quartz beads from Madagascar, that was of a much higher quality than the usual dyed Chinese stuff I had previously bought. She no longer have that available, but wrote she might get some more in the future.

I am not affiliated with Nelson Beads at all, nor Magpie. I just want both these shops to thrive and prosper, so I can continue to buy from them when the need arise. I stumbled upon both from blog posts such as this one. Here is hoping they both get more customers because of my blog post.

Update: As it turns out, awhile after I had posted the above I got word from the owner that she is closing the shop. Really sad that is, as I have really appreciated what she brought to the business. I promise, when I find another bead shop I will make sure I post about it a bit sooner. Until then, Magpie Gemstones are still alive and kicking.