River Rocks Jewelry & Bead Shop
River Rocks Jewelry & Bead Shop, your neighborhood jewelry store and bead destination in downtown Troy, New York. Since 2008 we've combined an artisan’s eye with practical supplies to serve hobbyists, professional jewelers, and gift-seekers looking for unique beads, gemstones, finished jewelry and custom design services. Located at 209-211 River Street, River Rocks is the place to discover glass beads, crystal beads, gemstone beads, seed beads, metal and wooden beads, cabochons, loose stones and finished pieces including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and sterling silver jewelry. Plus a large selection of minerals, rocks, and fossils!
Our Story
Our shop and what we offer
River Rocks is a curated studio-and-retail experience: a welcoming storefront where rows of beads, strands of gemstones, and displays of handmade jewelry for both men and women invite creativity. We stock beading supplies and jewelry-making tools beading wire, thread, head pins, eye pins, jump rings, bead needles, clasps and crimping tools — so you can start making bracelets, necklaces and earrings the same day. For gift shoppers, we offer finished fashion jewelry, handmade gemstone necklaces, scarves and accessories, perfect for birthdays and special occasions.
Why River Rocks Jewelry & Bead Shop matters
Making jewelry is both craft and therapy. Quality materials change the look and longevity of a design. Whether you’re learning to string seed beads or commissioning a custom beaded design, access to real gemstones, cabochons, and quality supplies matters. River Rocks bridges the gap between hobby and heirloom: we provide the materials, expert guidance, repair, and custom-design services that help ideas become wearable art. Our local presence in Troy makes beads and repairs accessible without waiting for shipping, and our team brings decades of hands-on experience to every consultation.
Key benefits at a glance
Wide selection
gemstone beads, crystal and glass beads, acrylic, wooden and metal beads, plus cabochons and loose stones.
One-stop supplies
beading tools, wire, needles, findings and adhesives for jewelry makers of all skill levels.
Finished jewelry & gifts
curated necklaces, bracelets, earrings, sterling and silver jewelry ready to wear or gift.
Local expertise
in-store advice on materials, color matching, and design choices.
Repair & custom design
professional jewelry repair and bespoke custom design services for sentimental and statement pieces.
Community hub
friendly classes, demo days and inspiration right on River Street.
About Us
Welcome to River Rocks Jewelry & Bead Shop a community-focused jewelry store serving Troy, New York since 2008. What began as a hobby and a small jewelry business has grown into a cozy retail studio known for high-quality materials, dependable repairs, and approachable custom design.
Our story and mission
Founded in 2008, River Rocks was created for people who love to make and wear meaningful jewelry. Our mission is to provide materials, instruction and finished pieces that inspire creativity and celebrate personal style. We believe handmade jewelry connects people. It can mark milestones, keep memories, and serve as wearable expressions of individual taste.
About Theresa
Owner Theresa Albanese is a self taught jewelry designer with over 30 years of experience. Her creations reflect her love of nature and the intrinsic beauty of gemstones. She has a passion for personally sourcing the unique mix of beads, crystals and gift items offered at the shop. Theresa shares this joy with her customers, working one on one with them to create their vision or helping them find a special piece of jewelry.
What sets us apart
- Local expertise: our staff are experienced makers and jewelers who give practical advice on techniques, materials and design choices.
- Curated inventory: we choose beads and stones for color integrity, cut and durability — from budget-friendly acrylics and seed beads to genuine gemstones and sterling findings.
- Repair & custom design: we perform jewelry repair — chain replacement, clasp installation, stone resetting — and create custom designs to transform ideas into heirlooms.
- Commitment to quality: every repair and custom order gets careful inspection, secure settings, and professional finishing.
- Community-first approach: River Rocks hosts occasional workshops for beginners and designers who would like to advance their skills. We also offer insight into the energetic properties of crystals, tailored to your specific needs.
How River Rocks can help
— Our Services —
Beading supplies & tools
If you’re starting a DIY necklace or building a jewelry business, we’ll help you choose the right beading wire, thread, needles, crimp beads, clasps and pliers for professional results.
Finished jewelry selection
Gifts, everyday pieces, and handcrafted gemstone necklaces for women and men—each item is chosen with an eye for wearability and price.
Jewelry repair
Quick fixes like clasp replacements, restringing, and stone tightening are handled on-site or through scheduled drop-off. We assess each piece upfront and provide clear pricing.
Custom design
Bring sketches, photos, or ideas. We’ll consult on materials (selecting gemstones, cabochons, and metal finishes), create a design plan, and provide a timeline and estimate. From a simple wire wrap pendant to an elaborate beaded design, our process centers on communication and craftsmanship.
Education & support
New to beading? Our staff shows proper knotting techniques, wire finishes, and recommends supplies tailored to your project and skill level.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell individual beads or only full strands?
We sell both full strands and individual beads (where stock allows). Ask a staff member for bead cuts and pricing by piece or by strand. We also have hundreds of semi precious gemstones instock
Can you repair vintage or sentimental pieces?
Yes. We handle repair and restoration for many vintage and sentimental items. We’ll evaluate the piece and outline options before work begins.
How long does a custom design take?
Timelines vary by complexity. Simple customizations can take a few days; more elaborate designs or orders requiring special stones may take 2–6 weeks. We provide a timeline during consultation.
Do you offer classes or workshops?
Follow our Instagram for our updated class.
Are your gemstones genuine?
We clearly label gemstone types and origins when available. Our gemstone beads and cabochons range from authentic natural stones to stabilized or enhanced materials — staff will advise on durability and care.
Do you ship orders and accept phone orders?
Yes we offer phone orders and local shipping options. Contact us for shipping rates and lead times.
Our Gallery
Explore curated collections, visual inspiration and product highlights from River Rocks Jewelry & Bead Shop. Our gallery reflects the range of materials and finished work you’ll find in-store: from polished gemstone strands to delicate seed-bead embroidery, large faceted crystal beads, and polished cabochons ready for bezel setting.
Gemstone Beads
From amethyst and agates to sapphires, rubies, and emeralds—hundreds of stones and strands in multiple sizes, perfect for statement pieces or delicate layering, all in stock.
Crystal & Glass
Swarovski-style crystal beads, Czech glass, and fire-polished rounds for sparkle and form.
Seed Beads & Delica
Tiny glass seed beads for intricate patterns, loom work and bead weaving.
Metal & Accent Beads
Sterling-filled, plated and mixed-metal spacers, bead caps and connectors to add professional finishes.
Cabochons & Loose Stones
Flat-back cabochons for setting, loose stones for wire-wrapping, and unique mineral specimens for collectors.
Finished Jewelry
Handmade necklaces, charm bracelets, statement earrings, and sterling silver designs handcrafted by local artisans.
Accessories & Giftables
Scarves and accessories, crystal décor, Tibetan crafts, and fair-trade gifts.
How the gallery helps shoppers and makers
Our gallery is both a shopping showcase and an educational tool. Browsing helps customers visualize color palettes, learn about gemstone properties, and pick combinations that suit fashion trends or personal style. If you’re planning a custom piece, bring gallery images to your consultation and our designers will translate inspiration into a practical plan using available materials.
Visual merchandising and product care
We photograph strands under natural light and provide close-ups of textures and finishes, making it easy to compare crystal cuts, gemstone clarity and metal tones. Product notes include recommendations for care — avoiding chlorine and extreme heat for certain gems, polishing instructions for sterling jewelry, and storage tips to prevent tarnishing. These small details prolong the life of handmade pieces and protect your materials for future projects.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Great place with a large selection!”
“Such a great bead and jewelry shop! They have a large variety of unique beads, stones, and finished pieces. Friendly staff and good prices — I always find something special.”
— Peter L.
“Absolutely beautiful shop!”
“I loved this store so much. The owner was so sweet and easy to talk to. I found beautiful beads, crystals, and even a statue I had been searching for. Will absolutely be back!”
— Jennifer S.
“Helpful and friendly service.”
“Visited this afternoon and the owner and her sister were incredibly helpful. They patiently answered all my questions and helped me pick out beautiful beads for necklaces. Such a wonderful local business!”
— C C.
“Lots of interesting finds.”
“There are tons of interesting beads, rocks, and jewelry pieces. Great spot to browse and get inspired!”
— Master H.
“A special gem in Troy.”
“It’s such a special thing to have a bead store like this in our city. The shop and owners are fantastic definitely worth a visit!”
— Gilda A.
— Overall Rating —
4.8 out of 5 stars from dozens of customer reviews — praised for its friendly service, unique selection, and personalized help.
Contact Us
riverrockstroy@gmail.com
+1 (518) 273-4532
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