Pearl and the Beast
Discover and create your own pearl jewelry in NYC! Open mussels, find real pearls, and design custom pieces on the spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
Pearl and the Beast
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover and create your own pearl jewelry in NYC! Open mussels, find real pearls, and design custom pieces on the spot.
"A fun, hands-on activity and keepsake all in one!"
🎯 Cash for Discounts
Paying with cash might get you a better deal!
✨ Unique Pearl Shapes
Mussels can hide heart-shaped or round pearls. Be surprised!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pearl Harvesting Adventure
Crack open your own mussel to discover unique, real pearls. A thrilling treasure hunt for your keepsake!
Custom Jewelry Creation
Transform your harvested pearls into beautiful rings, necklaces, or bracelets on the spot.
Unique Soho Experience
Discover this hidden gem in a Soho basement for a hands-on, memorable NYC activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead or Walk-In?
Budgeting for Your Pearl Treasure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cash for Discounts
Paying with cash might get you a better deal!
✨ Unique Pearl Shapes
Mussels can hide heart-shaped or round pearls. Be surprised! +1
⏳ Quick Process
The whole experience, from opening to finished jewelry, takes about 40 minutes.
💡 Staff are Super Helpful
Friendly staff make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cash for Discounts
Paying with cash might get you a better deal!
✨ Unique Pearl Shapes
Mussels can hide heart-shaped or round pearls. Be surprised! +1
⏳ Quick Process
The whole experience, from opening to finished jewelry, takes about 40 minutes.
💡 Staff are Super Helpful
Friendly staff make the process smooth and enjoyable.
💍 Bracelet Recommendation
Staff often suggest bracelets as they can accommodate more pearls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pearl and the Beast for its unique, hands-on pearl harvesting and jewelry-making experience, with many highlighting the friendly and helpful staff. While some found the ambiance warm and the jewelry quality not entirely worth the price, the overall consensus is that it's a fun, memorable activity, especially when shared with friends or a partner.
"I found this place on TikTok And we really wanted to visit it. We did not have an appointment. However the staff were extremely nice and allowed us to still do this. Everything was extremely clean, and the staff were very helpful. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience."
Mandy McCracken
"The experience was ok. The ambiance wasn’t a vibe. It was hot inside. The jewelry was cheap and flimsy for the price. I got the classic and weirdo. It was a nice and fun experience because I was with my friend. The quality of the jewelry was cheaply made. I’m happy I had the experience but I won’t do it again."
Atiya Freeman
"The experience wasn’t that great. The place ambience wasn’t a vibe. The jewelry was cheaply designed and the quality wasn’t worth the price. I got the classics and my friend got the weirdo. I enjoyed myself because I was with my niece and friend other than that it didn’t live up to the review. I’m glad I did it but I wouldn’t do it again."
sakeena freemont
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pearl and the Beast is located at 22 Howard St, New York, NY 10013, in the Soho/Chinatown area. It's accessible via various subway lines, including the N, Q, R, W, J, Z, 6, and 4, 5 trains to nearby stations like Canal Street or Grand Street. +1
The shop is described as being in a basement and you might walk right past it, so keep an eye out for their signage.
The subway is generally the most efficient way to reach Soho. Consider using a transit app to find the quickest route from your location. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While appointments aren't always required, walk-ins are often welcome. Some visitors have noted being accommodated even without a prior booking. It's best to check their social media for the most current policy.
Mussels typically range from $70 to $80 each, depending on the type and the number of pearls you might find inside. +1
Jewelry pieces to set your pearls in start around $30-$45, with some options potentially costing more. Bracelets are often recommended as they can hold multiple pearls. +1
Some visitors have mentioned that paying by cash can result in a discount. It's worth inquiring about this when you visit.
The total cost will be the price of your chosen mussel plus the price of your selected jewelry piece. For example, one visitor paid $110 for a mussel and two pairs of earrings.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
You'll select a mussel from a tank, then open it yourself to reveal the real pearls inside. The pearls are then placed in a polishing solution before being set into your chosen jewelry. +2
The entire process, from opening the mussel to having your custom jewelry made, typically takes around 40 minutes.
You can choose to create rings, necklaces, bracelets, or pins. The staff can help guide you on the best options based on the pearls you find. +1
Yes, you get to crack open the mussel yourself to discover the pearls, making it a fun, hands-on activity. +1
The number of pearls can vary. Some mussels are described as having 15-30 pearls, while others might have fewer. The experience is about the discovery!
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Many visitors share their experiences on TikTok and Instagram, so feel free to capture your pearl-hunting and jewelry-making moments. +2
The unique process of opening mussels and the custom jewelry creation offer great visual moments. The Soho location itself can also be a backdrop. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the pricing when bringing children, as mussels and jewelry can add up. The process is relatively quick (around 40 minutes), which is ideal for shorter attention spans. The staff are generally helpful, which can be a bonus when navigating the experience with kids.
💖 Couples on a Date
Opt for a bracelet or necklace to commemorate your time together. The intimate setting and the excitement of discovery make for a romantic and engaging outing. Plus, the resulting jewelry serves as a constant reminder of your special date.
🛍️ Shoppers & Explorers
This experience is perfect for those who appreciate DIY and personalized items. You get to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that tells a story. It’s a fantastic way to add a memorable activity to your NYC itinerary, especially if you're already in the neighborhood.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pearl & The Beast Experience
Once you've harvested your pearls, the creative process continues as you choose a piece of jewelry to have them set into. Options typically include rings, necklaces, bracelets, and pins. The staff are on hand to assist with the design and creation, transforming your raw pearls into a wearable keepsake. The entire experience is designed to be engaging and memorable, making it a popular choice for dates, friends, or even solo adventurers looking for something different.
While the experience is widely praised for its novelty and the fun factor, some reviews mention that the ambiance can be a bit warm and that the quality of the jewelry might not feel commensurate with the price for some. However, the overall sentiment leans positive, with many appreciating the unique opportunity and the friendly service provided by the staff.
Understanding the Pricing and Value
Jewelry pieces start at around $30-$45, with options like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets available. It's worth noting that some visitors recommend bracelets as they can often accommodate a larger number of pearls. One guest reported paying $110 for a mussel and two pairs of earrings, highlighting how costs can add up depending on your selections.
While the experience is fun and the resulting jewelry is a unique souvenir, a few reviews suggest that the perceived quality of the jewelry might not fully align with the price for some customers. However, many still find the overall value in the unique activity and the personalized keepsake. Inquiring about cash discounts could also offer a way to manage the cost.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit