Athenian Fashions

There are two locations in downtown Los Angeles. The staff at the smaller location is very friendly and helpful. I think is one of the best stores to buy your beads from downtown Los Angeles.

Went to this location on 8^th street today and it was closed for good. Wish I had seen the other location listed in Unilocal before I went all the way down there.

Sunday is not a good day to shop for beads, rhinestones, and jewelry making supplies in the garment district as most of the stores selling those items are closed. However, if you need supplies on a Sunday, Athenian Fashions is your best bet (their name is a bit confusing because I initially thought they were a clothing store). They’re well stocked with a great selection of jewelry making supplies, and although their prices may not be the cheapest around, being open on Sunday and having a very helpful and friendly staff more than makes up for it. Everything is also organized well so it’s fairly easy to find what you need. Metered parking in front of the store can be a bit challenging to find and is crazy expensive ($ 3 per hour) but that’s typical of the garment district area.

The 8^th street & cecelia location is my favorite of the two locations. Almost Everything is $ 2.00. They have lots and lots of beads and chains. The Maple location is a great place to find excellent quality Natural stones.

I agree that this place id well organized, but it was expensive as hell compared to all the bead shops nearby.
I did not like that they did not cut the bulk chain to your needs, you have to purchase the pre-​cut 5 foot hacks.
I also did not see anything here that was not for sale in the same area for about 25−30% less.

Let me just put it this way. I have been to as many bead stores in LA as I have been to bars. After finding this one, I am pretty sure I don’t have to slop my way around any other location again.
Walked in and literally gasped. Poked myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. Aisles and Aisles of well organized, thematic, and color coordinated findings galore. The store is divided into three sections: findings, chain, and children’s.
The findings room: We’re talking every size of headpins, spring rings, clasps, etc, and in 4 options — gold, silver, brass, and copper! The stuff literally is stacked from ceiling to floor. They have TONS of charms sold in bulk at SUPER cheap prices — featuring everything from religious charms (sectioned by religion rather than all jumbled together, and including rosary materials!) to a huge selection of skulls!
The chain room: is basically my heaven. I have been looking EVERYWHERE for some gold chain and found it BY THE AISLE here! AND — it’s all perfectly priced and organized! They not only have silver, gold, yellow gold, copper, and brass colored chains, but also pink, blue, white, green, etc. They also sell them by the reem in addition to by the foot. Amazing.
The last room was full of what I consider «children’s» beads — wooden, plastic, funky, brightly colored, etc. A perfect resource for a teacher or parent!
If all this amazingness weren’t enough, the staff here were 100% cordial and interactive. I had some great conversations with the gals working the day I visited and even gave some of them my card. They also have beautiful sample pieces on display and put your purchases in a nifty reusable jewelry bag!
I LOVE YOU, Athenian Fashions!

I’m always always lookin’ for the hot spots in L.A. and have fallen in luv with the bead district!
ATHENIAN FASHIONS INC
fashion jewelry-​beads-​stones-​findings-​shells-​chains
416 E. 8^th St
L.A. ca 90 014
213−489−2237
I love this spot because the señor is really nice :) and because there is no sales tax! The main reason I go is because they have a great selection of seed beads! You can find any color there! All along the downtown LA bead district one can find many things, but its almost impossible to find a place that sells beads of all different colors. This place has a huge selection and u can purchase a pound of beads for 7 bucks! Check it out!