Global Beads, Inc. (GBI) is located in the heart of downtown Mountain View, CA. I founded this store 23 years ago, watched it grow and evolve to a 5000 square foot store. We are the “largest Bead store on this side of the Mississippi”, according to our sources.

We have an extensive array of new and old collectible beads. Visit our “Old World” to see the dZi (gZi) bead, Venetian trades beads, Pyu period beads, bactrain agates, Turkoman Jewelry, 300 year old chevrons, 2000+ year old Islamic glass and stone to name a few. We also offer a great assortment of Silver and Gold beads, new beads and findings. And we continue to offer new products to our already large selection of beads, jewelry and books.

Two additions this past year, a “Because” Boutique: Women’s Clothing and accessories and “Treasures” where you will find fabulous vintage, antique and collectible “treasures”“Because Boutique” that compliments our limited edition designer jewelry created by the owner Kathleen McCabe Don’Kay Designs™. For those of you who want to learn to design and finish jewelry the way professionals do, join one of our many beading classes. If you would rather have us repair or design a custom piece for you we can do that too! See our Services

We started GBI 23 years ago in downtown Mountain View. Over the years we have grown, changed, and continually learn to do a better job at multiple things. Some of which are a better product mix, knowledgeable and helpful staff, and easier shopping while in the store due to our constant organization. We, employees and owners, have learned to listen to our customers requests and do our best to fulfill them. We do this by having knowledgeable, willing employees, and suppliers that share this same commitment.

Our offerings include a huge selection of beads, findings and cording. An exclusive jewelry collection designed by founder, Kathleen McCabe labeled “Don’Kay Designs. This line includes “Splendor” – evening jewels, “White Gown” our wedding line, “Things Past”, World on a String and “everyday fun”. We also offer a full custom design service, as well as repairs and restringing.

Our clothing is feminine and flattering, perfect for everyday wear, career, or a night out.

About the Owner

Kathleen McCabe started Global Beads over 20 years ago. Her love of folk art, art history,  jewelry, and collectible beads enables her to create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. A native Californian, her work is influenced by her travels abroad to Italy and Thailand, Indonesia, Burma, and other European countries, as well as her and network of  African, Indonesian, Burmese, Nepalese and Pakistani travelers.  She creates pieces very few others can thanks to her vast collection gathered over the past 22 years.

Business Hours

Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
Monday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday 10:00am -6:00pm
Friday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am – 7:00pm

We have extended hours during the summer and holidays – please call for specific times.

Closed Jan 1st, 2nd and 3rd, April 8th, July 4th, Nov 26th, Dec 25th

Testimonials

I think Links & Wraps is a must for the beginner who wants to learn the proper techniques to use wire in their beading hobby. The staff at Global Beads, Inc. are patient and have the know how to answer all possible questions. I took both the initial class and an optional secondary follow-up to this class which I highly recommend for all beading hobbyists. I found that in each class the instruction was consistent and repetitive without deviation from initial instruction. I now have made several pieces of which I have received many compliments.
— Gina Kaitlen

I’m a new beading enthusiast and found Global Beads in Mountain View and when I learned they offered classes, I was thrilled. I took their basic beading class and thought it was an excellent class for beginning beaders. The instructors were well prepared and true professionals. It was clear their goal was to teach the best beading techniques and methods. Written documentation was provided (3 pages) and something you would use on an ongoing basis. I felt some comfortable asking questions and also felt like I could go back into the shop at any time to ask questions. I would highly recommend these classes! It was a very enjoyable evening!
— Beth Woodworth

I recommend Basic Stringing for the beginner and those of us who have some stringing experience. The plain, straightforward instruction has increased my ability to make necklaces and bracelets of which I am very proud. The expertise at the shop eliminates haphazard shopping in choosing beads and supplies for this class. Take “Basic Stringing” if you are serious about learning the right techniques of stringing beads!
— Gina Kaitlen

The self-proclaimed largest bead store on this side of the Mississippi offers its clientel an array of jewelry-making classes from basic stringing and pearl knotting to links and wraps. In addition to its wide selection of beads and jewels, Global Beads recently incorporated a clothing boutique — making this shop a killer combo.
— The Wave Magazine

In Short – This wildly popular bead craft store runs in a very eclectic vein. It specializes in exotic beads and unique focal pieces from Indonesia, India, Asia, Czechoslovakia, the Philippines and elsewhere. Strands of freshwater pearls glow in many shades of white, black, pink, blue, brown and green. And beads of every size, color and shape imaginable–in glass, crystal, semi-precious and precious stone, wood and metal–are sorted by type and sectioned out in easy-to-cruise aisles.
— Citysearch