For centuries, beads and jewelry have been a symbol of status and wealth for women in Africa. Today, talented artisans use both traditional and innovative methods to create these unique jewelry pieces with true African flare.  See our collection of fair trade and handmade African Jewelry. 

African Trade Bead Jewelry

These African trade beads are made from recycled glass. The glass beads are made by crushing recycled glass such as bottles and old window panes.  The crushed glass is poured into handmade clay molds and fired in clay kilns.  Trade beads have been used as a form of currency in Africa largely due to the culturally high intrinsic value of beads where often wealth storage and social status are worn. Watch how they are made.

Bone and Horn Jewelry

Many rural communities in East African are based around cattle raising.  Cattle are valued for status and milk, so after death,  all parts of the cow are revered and used.  Talented craftsmen use horn and bone to make decorative and useful items such as jewelry and African folk art.

Wire Jewelry

These elephant earrings are handmade by artisans in Kenya.  These artisans use their beading and wire skills to craft these vibrant pieces of jewelry in exchange for fair income. This project if certified by the fair trade federation.  Send good luck with these fun elephant earrings.

Rolled Paper Beads

Handmade in Nairobi, Kenya, paper beads are coated with a clear, non-toxic lacquer making them water-resistant and durable! These beads are made by a group of 40 women in Kenya and Uganda.  Each bead is rolled from individually cut recycled magazine pages.