Soft pastel colors put a unique spin on African beadwork. Each of these bracelets is crafted in partnership with an organization that works with pastoral Kenyan women. By making beaded jewelry, these women can earn a sustainable income while also maintaining a traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Available in pink or blue, bracelet measures 6 inches long and has two loop settings for an adjustable length. Flexible band is about 1.25 inches wide.
- Diamond bead bracelets
- Made of Czech beads
- Available in blue or pink
- 6 inches long with adjustable length
- Band measures about 1.25 inches wide
- Made by pastoral women in Kenya
design: A flexible, cuff-style bracelet hand-loomed from tiny Czech glass beads in a repeating diamond (hourglass) motif against a white ground, shown here in teal and in soft terracotta pink.
size: 6 inches long, about 1.25 inches wide, with two loop settings for adjustable sizing.
material: Czech glass beads, woven on thread with a brass button-and-loop closure.
features: Adjustable two-loop closure, diamond/hourglass beadwork pattern, lightweight flexible band, available in pink or blue
care: Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth, remove before swimming or showering, and store flat to protect the threadwork.
disclaimer: Each bracelet is loomed by hand, so slight variations in bead alignment and color are normal and are part of its handcrafted character.
The Story
This bracelet is made using loom-beading, a technique long practiced by pastoral communities across Kenya, where beaded jewelry has historically served as everyday adornment and a marker of identity within the community. The diamond, or hourglass, motif seen here is one of the most enduring geometric patterns in East African beadwork, built bead-by-bead in tight, even rows rather than printed or stamped on.
Geometric repetition like this diamond chain is prized for the steadiness of hand it requires: each row must line up precisely with the last for the pattern to stay crisp across the full 6-inch length. The soft pastel palette shown here, teal and terracotta rather than the bold primary colors often associated with East African beadwork, is a contemporary variation on a traditional form, made to order for a wider range of everyday wear.
The piece is produced in partnership with an organization that works with pastoral Kenyan women, giving beadworkers a way to earn income from a skill that is already part of daily life, while continuing to live according to their traditional nomadic ways.
Loom beadwork like this starts with thread strung across a small hand or wooden loom to set the width of the band. The beader then works row by row, threading one tiny Czech glass bead at a time and passing the needle back through to lock it in place, following a pattern held in memory rather than a printed chart. A band this width and length can take a beader a couple of hours of steady, close work to complete, with the diamond motif checked constantly against the rows below it to keep the pattern true.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Kenya
- Craft Tradition: Kenyan loom beadwork
- Ideal For: Everyday wear for anyone who likes a pop of color and handmade jewelry with a story
- Wear It With: Stack it with other slim bangles or wear it solo against a plain sleeve to let the beadwork pattern stand out
- Purpose: Everyday bracelet, stacking piece, gift
- Metal: Brass (closure hardware only)
Questions & Answers
What is this bracelet made of?
The band is hand-loomed from small Czech glass beads on thread, finished with a brass button-and-loop closure.
How do I adjust the size?
The bracelet has two loop settings on the closure, so you can choose a snugger or looser fit around a 6-inch wrist.
Will the colors or pattern vary between bracelets?
Yes. Because each one is beaded by hand, you may see small differences in bead alignment or shade from piece to piece — that variation is part of its handmade character, not a flaw.
How should I care for it?
Keep it dry, wipe it gently with a soft cloth, and take it off before swimming, showering, or applying lotion to protect the beadwork and thread.
Who makes this bracelet?
It's made by pastoral women in Kenya through a partnership that provides sustainable income from beadwork while supporting their traditional nomadic way of life.
