By The Beads is an online bead shop offering a wide selection of jewelry-making supplies in a friendly, casual shopping environment. Its inventory includes genuine Swarovski crystal beads and pendants, Czech glass beads, porcelain and ceramic beads, and assorted glass beads from India and Indonesia. Shoppers can browse by shape, size, finish, and style, with options ranging from faceted rounds, rondelles, bicones, teardrops, hearts, and flowers to animal designs, specialty shapes, bead mixes, and artisan focal pieces. The store also carries stainless steel neckwires and other jewelry-related supplies.

Beyond beads, By The Beads offers handmade polymer clay accessories, including whimsical buttons, brooches, and pendants, as well as handmade fused glass items by Snow Flake Glass. Products are sold in strands, lots, mixes, and bulk or factory packs, with new items and sale offerings featured on the site. The shop provides shipping information and terms for customers, offers free shipping within the United States on orders of $350 or more, and directs shoppers to its eBay store for additional bargains, closeouts, and special buys.