bead

Ila Suleyman designs this extraordinary necklace under the theme of Taoure, the Mamprusi term for prosperity. From northern Ghana, Mamprusi people are predominantly rice and cattle farmers. Suleyman selects agate enhanced to a fiery red and cow bone beads embellished with batik techniques. Flanked by brass and sese wood beads, the necklace is crafted by hand with plastic beads recycled from a variety of sources.

Fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand as proven by this fabulous pendant necklace made from bright red recycled glass beads. The necklace is designed and crafted by hand by Ghanaian artisan Mary Dzidzienyo who threads the flat beads onto a nylon cord and tops it with bone beads in black and white and brass clasps.

Bali's Ayu Ary handcrafts a stunning accessory in honor of courage, that intense trait that makes people go forward. Working on feather-shaped cow bones, the artisan hand-paints the pieces in a vibrant palette of red, black and blue hues. As the final touch, Ayu crowns her design with natural garnet beads and comfortable sterling silver hooks, allowing you to wear the accessory in all its glory.

Dyed red, a medallion of bone is carved by hand to form the pendant of this glorious necklace from India. Sabir designs this accessory, which circles the neck with a strand of orange haldu wood beads, culminating in red resin beads that flank the pendant. A red cotton tassel dangles from the pendant.

"Enjoy this beautiful necklace and may your good deeds be more in number than the beads strung on this necklace," encourages Ila Suleyman. He calls his design Maneray, the Mossi term for good deeds. The Mossi are predominantly millet and cattle farmers who use cow hide and other natural materials to create various items including jewelry and accessories. Suleyman crafts the necklace by hand in a palette of warm earth hues featuring glistening agates, terracotta and sese wood beads. A bone pendant painted with batik techniques centers the necklace featuring recycled plastic beads at both sides. Closes with a brass clasp.

The splendor of India's artistry adds uniqueness to this beaded necklace. Presented by Rahul Jain, this homage to the region's jewelry arts reunites cotton threads and bone beads—each boasting a palette of blue, red and ivory hues for a oneiric look.