Millicent Okine

African beaded jewelry in West Africa

"I always loved to sit at the feet of my grandmother watching her fragile hands thread together the old heirloom family beads passed on for more than eight generations."

"I come from the bustling city of Accra. We are a close knit family with a long tradition of bead making. I always loved to sit at the feet of my grandmother watching her fragile hands thread together the old heirloom family beads passed on for more than eight generations.

"The heirlooms are the loose or strung beads which are threaded by whoever is responsible for them at any given time. Usually, when a female child is born into the family, grandmothers put together the heirloom beads to be used and later passed on to their daughters and granddaughters.

"She always held the strands out to me when she was done, saying in the local Ga dialect, 'Enabe ba ni owo ne ma kwe,' meaning 'my dear granddaughter ,come and try it on.' I was always a happy little girl when I tried on grandma's pieces. They were always beautifully made.

"As life went on, I completed my O levels and started training as a teacher, but I wasn't able to finish due to unforeseen circumstances. For some time, I traded in consumer goods until, on one of my travels, I lost a huge sum. I only realized the loss on board the flight to my destination. I was totally distraught and frazzled. After this incident, it was difficult for me to get back to trading but, being the determined and hard worker that I am, I went on to do other things to survive and provide for my family.

"As destiny would have it, one afternoon I met up with my brother in town and he was adorned with totally captivating bead jewelry and I just couldn't take my eyes off it – it reminded me so much of my dear grandmother. That was in 1994. I started designing and crafting bead accessories and have been at it ever since. Mostly, I work alone and employ helpers when it gets busy.

"Occasionally, I participate in local fairs to sell my beads to individuals and shops. I always look for the opportunity to learn more. I appreciate crafts from different cultures of the world and hope to become internationally recognized.

"It gives me great pleasure when I see my jewelry worn and appreciated. For me, it is the most rewarding moment of being an artist."

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Microcredit Financing

26 items by Millicent Okine

Customer Reviews

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Dorothy

Verified Reviewer

10/26/2020

"Sisterly Love"

A very pretty bracelet. I love that its made of recycled plastic beads.

Best Uses

To wear with summer outfits

Purchased Item:

Sisterly Love, Recycled Plastic Beaded Stretch Bracelet in Orange

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Isabella

From Alta California

Verified Reviewer

06/08/2019

"A Meaningful Accessory"

As soon as I received this bracelet I put it on and wore it all day. It is very attractive and well made. Knowing that it represents a tiny step toward solving the problem of excess plastic adds to my enjoyment in wearing it. Well done, Millicent!

Purchased Item:

Sisterly Love, Recycled Plastic Beaded Stretch Bracelet in Orange

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Susan

Verified Reviewer

02/10/2019

"I will wear this often."

I only received this a few days ago and already I have worn it three times. The length is just right to show above most necklines. The gentle earth tones of the beads lend the subtlety of nature to the dyed colors of clothing, and I cant imagine any skin tone they wouldnt compliment.

Purchased Item:

Blessing, Bauxite and ceramic beaded necklace

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Elizabeth

From Canada

Verified Reviewer

07/20/2017

"Earthy colours, excellent design and proportions"

This is my first necklace which lists recycled plastic as a component and I didnt quite know what to expect. As it turns out, this is a beautiful, high quality necklace with wonderful workmanship and great attention to detail. Love, love, love it.

Tags By Elizabeth

Unique and lovely.

Purchased Item:

Kente Heritage, Bauxite and Wood African Tribal Style Beaded Necklace

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Debra

From Indianapolis/Indiana/USA

Verified Reviewer

03/07/2017

"very happy"

beautifully made and I was thrilled by this unique necklace.

Tags By Debra

enhances any oufit

Purchased Item:

A Good Name, Ceramic and wood beaded necklace

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BARBARA

Verified Reviewer

11/12/2016

"UNIQUE EARRINGS"

I LOVE THESE UNIQUE EARRINGS, COLOR, DESIGN, SHAPE AND SIZE. I HAVE SO MANY THINGS THAT THESE WILL GO WITH. GREAT ARTIST WHO MADE THEM.

Purchased Item:

No Racism, Terracotta and bone dangle earrings

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Millicent Okine

Cause Badges

26 items by Millicent Okine

Customer Reviews

"Sisterly Love"

"A Meaningful Accessory"

"I will wear this often."

"Earthy colours, excellent design and proportions"

"very happy"

"UNIQUE EARRINGS"

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