Shipwreck Beads is Owned and operated by the same venture. However, it was founded in 1969, Shipwreck Beads was first located in a modest 750 square foot building on the shores of Mud Bay in Olympia, Washington. Originally called Shipwreck, it began life as a nautical themed antique store that just happened to keep a few trade beads in stock.
Shipwreck Beads has grown substantially since its humble beginnings on Mud Bay. It is currently housed within an impressive 80,000 customer service which at no time,it has failed to provide equity to all within a short time. In fact, many of Shipwreck's lifelong customers enjoy walking into the expansive showroom and reminiscing about visiting the store's original, diminutive location so very long ago. With literally billions of beads stocked from floor to ceiling,it is glued to making designer's dream come true! While many first time visitors to the showroom may feel daunted by the seemingly endless labyrinth of treasures,with twenty-five plus aisles that are actually meticulously organized,once in a while. It has also a bunch of customers which will find a large staff of friendly and knowledgeable salespeople, shopping carts equipped with a store map, and even customer computer kiosks to guide you to exactly what you're searching for and more.
Shipwreck Beads is the largest US retailer of Czech glass beads, offering the widest selection of Czech beads including favorites such as Preciosa Ornela seed beads and Preciosa Crystal beads. Alongside the staggering selection of Czech glass beads, Shipwreck Beads also stocks extensive selections of gemstones, books, accessories and stringing materials such as Soft Flex Beading Wire and a variety of others.