Bead Merchants of Africa, Long Street: Shop Review

Bead Merchants of Africa
223 Long Street
Cape Town

Specialty: Beads, beadwork and beadwork classes
Contact: Tel: +27 (0)21 423 4687, Fax: +27 (0)21 423 4791, info@beadm.com, www.beadafrica.com
SA Blog recommends a look inside? If you’re into beads!

Further Insight & Opinion
The sign says that the Beach Merchants strive to be the “best bead shop in Africa”. And with thousands of beads, books, and other jewelry-making paraphernalia, they’re well on their way.

If you’re not a crafty person (ha!), the jewelry shop in the back of the store is worth a stop. Prices are slightly higher than what you can find on the streets, but the items tend to be a lot nicer. There are inexpensive gifts from other areas of Africa here too, such as beaded earrings from KwaZulu Natal for R35. An assortment of Masai beadwork is also on sale.

Feel like trying your hand at jewelry making? There are a few on each week, covering everything from Xhosa beading to working with dichroic glass.