I was introduced to this gem of a store by my friend Danielle from finalfashion.ca. She hosted a media event where we got a chance to poke around the store, try on a few necklaces and have a little brunch.

This colourful shop is a cross between a bead store and a workshop. There is an endless selection of colourful hand made beans (quite a few of which, are created in store) as well as strings of beads ready to be made into unique one of a kind necklaces, bracelets and other accessories. Jewelry lovers will be enchanted with both the selection and the cheerful owner, Susan Nagy. You can tell she really loves what she does just by looking at the store and how well she and her staff treat the customers.

Whether your tastes run conservative or more creative, there is something here for everyone. Susan and her staff have made a number of gorgeous one of a kind pieces you can buy, or you can ask them to make you something custom. Pictured are two necklaces I just bought: A gorgeous green two layered necklace that I wore for a recent filming of ChickChat TV ($85), and a string of beans - yes beans! - that is really striking on ($35ish). I can't tell you how many compliments I got for that green bead necklace during the shoot. Everyone wanted to know where I got it! Susan made that one herself.

There is a Flameworking studio in the back where you can either watch an expert in action, or sign up for bead making classes and learn how to do it yourself. Susan teamed up with silversmith, the equally sweet Karen Lamont of Citrus Silver (www.citrussilver.com), to create custom personalized silver tags for the necklaces that you can order. At the brunch I mentioned, I got a necklace with "ChickAdvisor" engraved on it. You can view that here:
http://blog.chickadvisor.com/2009/04/bead-bliss-at-la-perlerie.html

I highly recommend you pop by and check it out for yourself. There is a lot to choose from and it is such a fun and welcoming environment. You can also book private parties to make necklaces with your friends or take a workshop.

Highly recommended!