This special
jewelry has a a history that literally spans hundreds of years and several countries. In Africa and India, native craftsmen first created adornments just made of the natural materials on hand. It was the Egyptians who are credited with first utilizing a full array of materials to construct their beads and
. Along the Nile River, 4500 years ago, gold was originally the favorite material for jewelry making. However, as the art progressed, different materials also became very popular. Amazingly, Egyptians often favored the use of glass to express color as opposed to actual gems because of their versatility.
In African culture,
assumed a variety of meanings. Aside from simple adornment, the type of jewelry worn indicated a person's status, the level of wealth, and spiritual beliefs. At one time, a bride in a Ghanian tribe would receive a beaded belt from her new husband as a wedding gift that put everyone on notice that she was, from henceforth, a married woman.
jewelry also played a part in local superstitions.
