Artistic and unique, this hand-painted bracelet set is made completely from recycled glass. An eye-catching mix of black, white and mustard, the beads start out as old bottles, which are then ground into a fine powder, reshaped into beads, and then baked. Fairtrade, the beads and bracelets are handmade in Ghana by skilled craftswomen dedicated to the quality of their work.
- Set of 3 beaded bracelets
- Made from recycled glass
- Stretch cord, fits most wrist sizes
- Fairtrade item, handmade in Ghana
Beauty isn't perfect, it's authentic. This piece is artistically created by hand where beauty and imperfections go together wonderfully. Please accept and appreciate minor imperfections and variations which are true characteristics of this craft.
design: A stackable set of three stretch bracelets in black, white, and mustard recycled glass beads, each strand hand-painted with small dot and circle motifs.
size: Stretch cord; fits most wrist sizes.
material: Recycled glass beads on stretch cord.
features: Set of 3 stackable bracelets, hand-painted bead designs, stretch-cord fit, made from recycled glass, Fairtrade certified
care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth and remove before swimming or applying lotions to protect the painted surface.
disclaimer: Because each bead is hand-formed and hand-painted, slight variations in shape, color, and pattern are normal and part of the piece's handmade character.
The Story
These beads are made using a recycled-glass beadmaking technique long practiced in Ghana, where discarded glass bottles are given new life as jewelry. Rather than being cut or wound like traditional glass beadwork, the glass here is crushed into powder, packed into molds, and fired, a distinct method that produces the slightly matte, hand-molded look of each bead.
The surface patterns, small painted dots and rings, are applied by hand after firing, a decorative step that lets each artisan bring her own touch to a shared technique. No two beads carry the exact same marks, which is part of what makes a strand recognizably handmade rather than machine-stamped.
Glass beads have long held a place in West African adornment and trade, valued for their color and craftsmanship as much as for the ingenuity of turning waste glass into something wearable. This set continues that practice on a small, contemporary scale.
To make beads like these, craftswomen in Ghana collect used glass bottles, crush them, and grind the pieces into a fine powder. The powder is packed into clay molds and fired in a kiln until it fuses into a solid bead, a process repeated bead by bead. Once cooled, each bead is hand-painted with a fine tool before the strands are threaded onto stretch cord and finished into wearable bracelets.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Ghana
- Craft Tradition: Recycled glass beadmaking
- Ideal For: Anyone who likes to stack bracelets or wear jewelry with a handmade, eco-conscious story
- Wear It With: Wear all three together for a layered look, or mix individual strands with other bracelets on the wrist
- Purpose: Everyday wear, stacking, layering, gifting
Questions & Answers
What are the beads made from?
The beads are made from recycled glass. Old bottles are crushed, ground into powder, molded, and fired to form each bead, then hand-painted.
Will these bracelets fit my wrist?
Yes, each bracelet is strung on stretch cord, so the set fits most wrist sizes comfortably.
Why do the beads look slightly different from each other?
Each bead is hand-formed and hand-painted, so minor variations in shape and pattern are normal and are part of the handmade craft, not a flaw.
How should I care for these bracelets?
Wipe them clean with a soft, dry cloth and take them off before swimming, showering, or applying lotions to keep the painted finish looking its best.
Are these bracelets Fairtrade?
Yes, this set is a Fairtrade item, handmade in Ghana by skilled craftswomen.
