Best of 2001: Best Place To Make Jewelry

The Black Bead
5003 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach
619-222-2115

Nestled between a juice bar and a smoke shop, this eight-year-old bead store is just a block from Ocean Beach pier. Inside you'll find thousands of beads from all over the world made out of everything from glass to wood to bone. Most may be purchased either individually or by the strand. You can also find polished rocks, scented beads, bells, charms, and an assortment of crystals. This one-stop jewelry-making supply store carries everything you need to start producing your own accessories, including wire, string, posts, and clasps. Unlike the much smaller Chris's in Mission Beach, the Black Bead's free-spirited, dreadlock-sporting sales people won't string beads for you, but they are happy to attach clasps.