Over the last two or three years beads made of crystal, glass, metal, precious stone, wood, seashell, and other material have become widely available. These come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, broadening the kinds of jewelry that can be made at home. Many handicraft stores are setting aside a larger space for beads and accessory parts and are consequently attracting flocks of customers, especially young women. Small shops specializing in such material are also popping up across Japan. One shop in the fashionable Tokyo neighborhood of Omotesando sells about 3,000 kinds of beads and buttons, as well as a wide selection of strings, chains, ribbons, and other parts for making jewelry.
Customers can ask for design ideas and technical instructions from staff.
The company running the shop has already opened two new outlets since spring 1999, and at present there are nine outlets across Japan. Many other shops train their staff to offer similar advice, and some even give classes for free. Thanks to the increased variety of beads, it is now possible to make fancy, expensive-looking jewelry that goes perfectly well with adult fashion, even with formal dress. This way, one does not need to compromise for lack of choice by buying items that are not quite to one's taste. What is more, making one's own necklace is cheaper than buying similar items in boutiques.