At Shipwreck Beads, the gray exterior belies a world of color inside. Not only does this cavernous building contain the largest bead store in Washington, but it also claims to have the most extensive selection in the entire world! Located just outside our charming capital, Olympia, this jewelry mecca is a must-visit item on any Evergreen State bucket list.
Founded in 1969, Shipwreck Beads grew from a small shop in serene Mud Bay, Olympia. Though it debuted as an antique store, owners Glenn and Lisa Vincent gradually began acquiring more and more beads, eventually amassing a collection that would become the beginnings of Shipwreck Beads.
With its 22,000 square-foot showroom, there's no way bead aficionados won't find what they're looking for at Shipwreck Beads. If you find yourself overwhelmed, feel free to ask the friendly staff here for help. Many of them are artists themselves and can gladly lend you a helping hand!
Aisles of sparkling beads provide undecided designers with limitless inspiration, but Shipwreck is well known for a couple of things besides its size. It's the premier US retailer of Czech glass beads, boasting an array of desirable favorites like fire-polished glass beads and Preciosa Crystal and Ornela beads.
While the showroom is 22,000 square feet, the entire building clocks in at a colossal 80,000. That's because Shipwreck packs and ships its beads worldwide.
You can certainly check out this one-stop destination online, but I recommend visiting in person at least once. There's something marvelous about such a mammoth building being entirely devoted to beauty and creativity, and it's an experience worth savoring.
It's easy to spend hours soaking up the range of sizes, designs, and materials of Shipwreck's beads.
But, at the end of your excursion, there's no doubt you'll have found everything you need to turn your next creative project into a reality.
Not only is Shipwreck Beads the largest bead store in Washington, but it may also have the largest selection in the world! This remarkable bead mecca makes a one-of-a-kind destination for lovers of art, design, and everything beautiful. Not to mention, Shipwreck is just minutes from the capital's historic downtown, where you can end your day at one of Olympia's many delicious restaurants or one of its cozy cafes. Consider pairing your excursion to Shipwreck with a weekend in this vibrant, artsy community. You may just find the inspiration you've been looking for!
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