Planet Bead

I’m warning you. you will probably underestimate the amount of time you’ll spend in here. It’s hard to leave this store!
When you walk in, you’ll know what I mean. Beads on beads on beads. So many beads! I suppose, it is a bead store after all, but really, there’s an insane amount of beads.
The layout of the store is nice and organized, with rows of loose beads (color coordinated, of course!) in the front and strings of beads towards the back. There is also a plethora of incense to choose from if that’s your thing. If you’re like me, tack on another 10+ minutes while you sniff sticks! I thoroughly appreciate being able to buy them individually, versus a pack.
Well, back to beads! You will find big beads, microscopic beads, polished beads, raw beads, standard beads, eclectic beads. It. Goes. On. Anything you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it here. I’m not even into serious beading, per se, and I love it here. I go for the occasional necklace I want to make, or to jazz something up that I already have with a stone. I’ve made a couple of earrings as well, but coming into Planet Bead really inspires me. I don’t even usually come here with a specific project in mind; the beads themselves are what usually inspire me.
Keith also does a great job helping you if you have any questions — about the beads, your project, supplies/​tools, repairs, etc. He’s extremely knowledgeable. I recently took a large stone ring into Planet Bead to see what else I could do with it. It never fit me all too well, and realistically, it was quite heavy for everyday wear. I loved the stone though, and decided to turn it into a necklace. Keith was able to solder off the ring portion and attached a piece to the top in order to create a pendant. I was extremely happy with his work, and am even more happy that I can wear it again! I highly recommend Planet Bead if you have any sort of jewelry repairs.
The only reason I’m giving it ⁴⁄₅ stars is because pricing, which is slightly on the high side. However, you are paying for high quality beads and craftsmanship (repairs), and it’s worth it.

Whoa. I really like this place, you guys.
I checked Planet Bead out based on the recommendation of a fellow Unilocaler, as I was in the immediate — and I mean next door immediate, at Cubanitas — area yesterday and happened to remember that I needed a new chain for the pendant I bought on my trip to Costa Rica earlier this year. Said Unilocaler said Planet Bead was the spot, and said Unilocaler was wicked right.
Upon entering, one can’t help but notice and marvel at the row upon rows of sparkles, beads, chains, gemstones, beautiful rocks, pendants… seriously. It’s almost overwhelming how vast the selection of beads and jewelry-​making supplies is at Planet Bead.
I was warmly greeted by Keith (I can only assume he’s the owner) who asked what he could help me with. I explained what I needed and what I wanted, and he put together a chain for me right then and there… it only took him about 10 minutes! We worked out material, desired length, and he even went so far as to ask me how «rough» I am on things in order to ascertain what kind of closure to affix to the chain. (It’s an industrial-​ish one if that tells you anything…)
During this time, a very needy/​somewhat rude couple came in demanding Keith’s immediate attention. He expertly navigated their 400 questions and remained diplomatic to their repeated queries as he continued to put together the chain he was making for me. He also took two phone calls during that time, all without pause. Professionalism on the real!
While Keith worked, I perused the store a bit only to find ware upon ware that I wanted to wear, craft, and create. I decided, for a single moment, that I might abandon all other career aspirations and start making and selling jewelry on Etsy. (I don’t really want to do this, because as much as I’d like to tell myself I have the artisanal/​crafty spirit, I’m not sure I do. Planet Bead just made me second guess myself for a second, that’s how good they are.)
If you like making jewelry, you should go. If you need a fix, you should go.
Oh! And I almost forgot! They also do classes AND Keith fixes old-​timey watches, too. He might fix new-​timey or mid-​timey watches as well, but he showed me the inside workings of a pocketwatch from 1904. (I thought this was wicked cool and although some might think nerdy, not nerdy because old stuff and how things work = interesting, you know?)
Planet Bead is off the chain.
Heh.

I’m with Jaime C. I walked in and… well, my head didn’t exactly explode, but I did feel that rush when you find the very best of something that you love. And I love beads. The owners here have been in business for 20+ years, and it shows. They have weeded out the cheap and flashy, and provide Milwaukee with a treasure trove of wisely sourced and carefully edited beads. The amount of inventory here actually had me a little breathless. I have never been in a bead store that offered every color of Delica beads available, and this one has them all. I know, because I was looking for one particular color, and Keith, the owner, assisted me until we pawed through most every box of Delica beads he has on hand, and found it. He’s very generous with his time and his expertise. There’s so much here, that you kind of have to decide ahead of time just what it is you’re looking for, or you’ll be here all day. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing, come of think of it. Another point I want to make (before I stop gushing) is that the owner will answer any questions you have, and will assist you until you find exactly what it is you’re searching for, even if you’re not sure what that is. I’ve been beading for years, but learned so much in the brief time I spent here. If you’re new to the craft, this is the place to go, as you’ll be learning from the best. And if you’ve been beading for a long time, come here to find things you won’t find anywhere else. I travel for business and go to bead stores all over the country, so I’m confident in what I’m saying. I didn’t meet Keith’s wife, but I saw some of the beads she’s making, and they’re exquisite. Go!

This is an awesomeeeeeee bead store! So many different things including tools, and also connectors, wire, etc for the many creative things you can make!
This place has literally everything you could need and more! If you need to find anything the employees are very knowledgeable and can give you extra ideas for projects.
The reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because the prices are way over priced. I have been to numerous bead stores and this place is not the place to go if you are on a tight budget or live near other bead stores.
Other than that great selection!

After work there is nothing more I enjoy when I come home then to play with my beads!

I walked in and my head exploded.
BEADS.
BEADS.
BEADS.
BEADS.
BEADS.
OHMYGOSH THERE ARE SOOOOOO MANY BEADS.
(and trinkets, bags and a good selection of yarn)
This place has everything you could possibly want in bead form. Seriously. Seed beads, stone, glass, ethnic, metal and so much more. It would take hours if not days to see everything in here. Beads are sold in strands, bags or sing ally depending on what you’re looking for. It can get pricey, so if you’re a pro you’re better off buying wholesale, but everything is so incredibly beautiful I found that it was worth it. They also carry any other supplies like cutters, clasps, and wire.
Seriously, anything you could possibly want is here, and things you didn’t even know you wanted. They’ve been around for 14 years and I regret not discovering them when I used to live in WI. The guy working embodies Midwestern friendliness and will answer any question or just chat if you’re looking for inspiration. It’s the biggest and best bead store in the Wisconsin area, and many make the drive from Chicago. It beats any bead store I’ve ever seen. It’s just that great.
If you want beads, beading supplies, or just a fun afternoon of wandering this is absolutely, hands down, no question the place to go. In fact, you MUST go.