Cultural Couture

A Look at Jewellery from Different Regions of the World

Jewellery is a form of adornment that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. Different cultures have developed their own unique styles of jewellery, incorporating materials and techniques that are specific to their region. In this article, we will introduce some of the different custom jewellery styles from around the world, including Native American turquoise and African beadwork.

Native American Turquoise Jewellery

Turquoise is a gemstone that has been highly valued by Native American cultures for centuries. It is often used in the creation of traditional Native American jewellery, such as necklaces, earrings, and rings. Native American turquoise jewellery is typically characterized by its use of intricate designs and patterns, as well as the use of other materials such as silver, shell, and leather.

One popular style of Native American turquoise jewellery is the “cluster style,” which features multiple small turquoise stones arranged closely together in a single piece of jewellery. Another style is the “petit point” style, which uses small, precisely cut turquoise stones in intricate designs. Additionally, many Native American jewellers incorporate traditional tribal symbols and designs such as feathers, arrows, and animals into their work. Some artists also utilize the “inlay” technique, where different materials such as shell, coral, and lapis lazuli are set into a piece of jewellery alongside the turquoise stones. These styles and techniques are passed down through generations of Native American artisans and continue to be highly prized and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.

African Beadwork

African beadwork is a traditional craft that has been passed down through generations in many African cultures. It involves the creation of intricate designs using colorful beads, which are often sewn onto fabric or woven into jewellery. African beadwork is an important aspect of traditional African culture, and is often used to adorn clothing and accessories, as well as to create decorative objects for the home.

African beadwork styles vary greatly between different ethnic groups and regions in Africa. One popular style is the “Wedding Beads” worn by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, which are made of glass beads and are worn by the bride and groom during traditional wedding ceremonies. Another popular style is the “Maasai” beadwork from East Africa, which features bright, bold colors and geometric patterns, often used to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The Zulu people of South Africa are known for their “Imbenge” beadwork, which is made using small, colorful beads woven into intricate designs. Other traditional African beadwork styles include the “Krobo” beads of Ghana, which are made using recycled glass and are known for their bright colors, and the “Bamileke” beads of Cameroon, which are made using a combination of glass and metal beads and are often used to make large, statement jewellery.

Other Custom Jewellery Styles from Around the World

There are many other custom jewellery styles from around the world, each with its own unique characteristics and techniques. Some examples include:

Indian Kundan Jewellery: Kundan jewellery is a traditional form of Indian jewellery that involves the setting of precious gemstones into gold or silver. Kundan jewellery is known for its intricate designs and the use of bright, colorful gemstones.
Japanese Ikebana: Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art form that involves the arrangement of flowers and plants. It is often incorporated into Japanese jewellery, with pieces such as brooches and hair clips featuring delicate floral designs.
Russian Filigree: Filigree is a type of jewellery that involves the use of fine, intricate wirework to create delicate, lacy patterns. It is often associated with Russian jewellery, and is typically made from gold or silver.

Overall, custom jewellery styles from around the world are diverse and varied, reflecting the unique cultural traditions and aesthetics of different regions. Whether you are interested in Native American turquoise, African beadwork, or any of the other styles mentioned above, there is a world of beautiful, handcrafted jewellery to explore and enjoy.