Fairhope’s Finest: Meet Analece Designs (Bayside Beads)

If you are looking for something one of a kind that sparkles and makes you smile, you HAVE to stop in Bayside Beads. From the moment you walk into the shop, you’ll be captivated by the beauty that surrounds you.

There’s so much to be said about this wonderful shop — where to begin?

Analece features handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces made by metalsmiths/owners Alece Pugh and Anita Park-Rosenbaum.

Take this and make it into whatever you want! Analece can help you!

Looking through the store, you’ll also find local artisans’ work creating specialty pieces from gemstones, fossils, and mineral specimens.

One of the coolest things about Analece Designs is that you can custom-design your piece, and using their state of the art software, Countersketch Studio, you can see your piece before it’s created AND have it in your hands within 10 days!

Have any old jewelry lying around that you’d like to put a new spin on?   Bring it to Analece Designs!!  They can reset your gems in a piece of jewelry designed by you!  They also have the gemstones on hand to fill in if you need a few to complete your work of art.

Analece will also buy back any gold or silver you have.  They give a premium price for your gold and silver because they are not the middleman — they melt it down and use it right there on the premises!  You could actually bring in your old stuff (think kinked up herringbone chain?  Single earrings?  Rings that you just don’t like any longer?)  and design something completely new for yourself!  Analece works in copper, paladium, gold, platinum, silver and bronze.

One of a kind. Just like you.

And for those of you who love beads (and I am one!), you will LOVE Bayside Beads.  Not only do they carry a huge selection of beautiful beads, but they also carry a wide variety of natural stone, crystal, glass, ceramic, and metal, freshwater and saltwater pearls, findings, tools, stringing materials…everything the experienced jewelry-maker could need.  Don’t know how in the world to make jewelry?

Never fear, Bayside Beads will teach you how to make your own pieces.  They offer classes in basic beading and wire-working.  I’ve even seen them teaching a private lesson involving melted metal.  They have mother/daughter classes and they host birthday parties.

My experience: Part of what makes Fairhope’s Finest work is that you, the reader, know that I have personally done business with these folks and know what kind of service you’re going to get.  You’ll never get a recommendation from Fairhope’s Finest that isn’t backed by superb service.

I approached Analece with a dilemma — I’d purchased a beautiful set of twisted metal jeweled bangles in Birmingham and loved them (ie wore them!) so much that one of them had pulled completely apart.  I went to another jeweler in town, who couldn’t help me.  I, somewhat apprehensively, approached Alece with my problem, and she immediately put my mind at ease.  She could fix my beautiful, treasured bracelet, and it wouldn’t look any different than it did before it broke!  And guess what…the price was a jaw dropper.  I couldn’t believe she could do such beautiful work for so little.

Then came Easter, and I wanted some earrings for my 10 year old to match her Easter dress.   Alece put together some Swavorski crystal dangles for less than $20!  My daughter is so excited to have something that is custom-made for her that sparkles and matches her dress perfectly.

I think a birthday party at Bayside Beads would be fabulous, whether you are 10 or 60.  How much fun to get your girlfriends together and create a new piece of jewelry??  Top it off with a glass or two of wine and you have a perfect girls’ night out!  To schedule a party, class or private lesson, call Alece or Anita at 251-929-3620.

I told you there was tons to say about this cool place!  In addition to EVERYTHING ELSE I’ve mentioned, they ALSO restring, knot your pearls, replace clasps (cannot tell you how many times they’ve done it for me!)

In short (ha ha!) Analece/Bayside Beads is your fun, creative, full-service place to shop - a true experience waiting to happen.  They’re open M-Sat 10-5 and can be reached at 251-929-3620.