MAE Beads

MAE Beads is a jewelry studio at 333 Park Avenue in Rochester, NY, operated by designer Mary Bassett. Open since 2005, the shop focuses on custom-made, one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry crafted from materials sourced from around the world. MAE Beads is a member of the Park Avenue Merchants Association and has been a fixture of this walkable commercial district for over two decades.

The studio creates custom jewelry pieces tailored to individual style, with a particular focus on bridal and wedding party accessories. Mary Bassett works with a range of materials, including:

• Freshwater pearls
• Lapis and crystals
• Cat's eye stones and quartz
• Antique gold and silver
• Glass pearls

Finished pieces include bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and coordinated sets. Beyond new designs, MAE Beads also reconstructs vintage jewelry and family heirlooms, giving new life to inherited pieces. The shop additionally carries hand-knit and crochet accessories designed by Bassett. Customers can select from existing designs in the studio or commission something made to order. The shop is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings through the afternoon, and by appointment.

MAE Beads has built its identity around personalized, handcrafted jewelry — each piece designed individually rather than mass-produced. The studio's bridal work and heirloom reconstruction services set it apart from typical retail jewelry shops, offering a hands-on design process where customers work directly with the maker. With more than twenty years on Park Avenue, the business reflects the independent, artisan-driven character of the surrounding district.

MAE Beads sits along the Park Avenue corridor, a tree-lined stretch running roughly 1¼ miles from Alexander Street to Culver Road in Rochester's 14607 zip code. The neighborhood is known for its concentration of independent boutiques, cafes, and specialty shops. The George Eastman Museum on nearby East Avenue and the Memorial Art Gallery on University Avenue are both within walking distance. Street parking is available along Park Avenue, and the area sees heavy foot traffic during the annual Park Avenue Festival each August.