Bangkok Bead: Turn Super Expensive into Stocking Stuffers

owner Jenny Ross said she was most impressed when a 10 year old came into her new shop in Dobbs Ferry this week with a picture of an exquisite diamond necklace she wanted to replicate for a friend's birthday present.

Ross was able to help the pre-teen select substitute gem stones and beads to create a more affordable option.

"I was so impressed with the child's necklace," Ross said. "She had a very good sense of style."

Originally from South Thailand, Ross has sold her beads and jewelry at trade shows throughout the United States for the last 10 years. She often travels back to Thailand to purchase new materials—mainly Thai Hill Tribe Silver.

Surprisingly, in her past life, Ross worked in computer science.  Following the onset of the infamous recession, she decided to take jewelry-making to the next level. After years of working trade shows, Ross opened her first real storefront on Dobbs Ferry's Cedar Street this month.

Ross' philosophy is that budget shouldn't be an obstacle to having great jewelry. "For whatever stone or material you want, there's usually a less expensive substitute," she said.

Jewelry at Bangkok Beads costs from as little as $1 up to a couple hundred dollars.

You can also design your own jewelry—selecting beads, pendants, and clasps. Beads range from: gems, crystals, ceramic, mixed-media, silver and wood.

Beginning next year, Ross hopes to hold jewelry-making classes and birthday parties.

Haji Miranda—a silver jeweler who works at the shop on Saturdays—has been working with Ross for a number of years.

"People keep popping in and telling us what a wonderful addition this is to Dobbs Ferry," she said.

Teenagers, especially, she said come in frequently to buy jewelry for themselves and gifts for their friends.

Bangkok Bead is located at 10 Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry. Hours are: Tues. -Sat. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. 12 p.m. to 5.