Jewelry for Tribal Elegance

Krobo Glass & Moroccan Pendant Necklace

Powder glass beads are made by the Krobo People of Ghana, West Africa. Glass is crushed into a fine powder and heated so that the particles fuse together. It is then poured into clay molds with a cassava leaf stem used to make the hole, fired in an oven which fuses the glass and burns away the stem, leaving a hole for stringing. This technique has been used in Africa for centuries.

The red polka-dot beads are Venetian, these particular ones being late 19th to ealry 20th century. They are prized by Ethiopian priests who use them in prayer pendants. The solid red beads are mid-20th century, and uncommon to be found in circulation. The Moroccan silver pendant is a traditional style worn by women, usually strung in multiples. The concentric circles symbolize the endlessness of chance and life.

White Glass & Red Bead Necklace

Frosted white glass rings, produced by the Dutch in the 19th and early 20th centuries, are called ‘Dogon donuts’ after the Dogon people of Mali who fancied them for their simplicity. They were worn by priests for status and ceremony. The clear faceted beads are from Bohemia, in a variety of styles of the 1800s. Several of them show extreme age and wear.

The Venetian polka-dot bead is a favorite kind used by Ethiopian priests in prayer pendants. The hollow silver spheres from mid-20th century Guatemala, were made using a traditional method of silver-work. Known as wedding beads, they are draped in multiple strands on the bride by her family and friends for good blessings in the marriage.

Red White Heart & India Silver Coin Collar

Red 'white hearts' are among the most sought after beads by collectors because of their rich hue and white centers. The original name, Cornaline d'Aleppo, comes from their resemblance to aleppo stone, a type of agate used to ward off evil and disease. Made in Venice as early as the 1830's, they were traded in Africa as well as in the Americas. These beads are from the early to mid-20th century. New ones are made today but they do not have the depth of hue of the older beads, and their color is uniform. These older beads have a beautiful variation of hue and evidence of wear.

The red polka-dot beads, prized by Ethiopian priests who used them in prayer pendatns, are nice old ones. The dutch white glass rings are known as 'Dogon donuts', names after the people of Mali who favored them. The silver coins are from 1800's India, during the colonial period under the rule of King George V of England.

The macramé ties of a nylon/linen blend allow the collar to be adjustable in size. The ladders, as they are called, between the rows of white hearts, are contemporary silver from Thailand, polished to a soft finish. This piece looks great with a blouse and jeans, or with a dress for evening wear.