To speak of African jewelry as though there were a single unifying theme would be misleading. Africa is a vast continent, and African peoples have a long history. Their jewelry, in different regions, depends on jewelry-making from source materials available to them in their own locations, and their styles are influenced by their cultural and religious underpinnings. There could be overt influences just as much as underlying themes and idea may unconsciously shape the the designs of the jewelry.

Over time, there are cross-influences within the continent, and of course, the impact of Western invaders and colonizers cannot be ignored. Jewelry is an art form, and like any art form, it must necessarily evolve in the course of time, shaped by all kinds of historical influences.

There are common strands amidst the diversity. After all, Africa is a continent apart. There is something distinctive in the jewelry of Africa, stemming from its deep-rooted traditions, that has made it resist being absorbed into some amorphous form.

African Bead Jewelry

The making of beads was probably the earliest form of jewelry making in African, and there is evidence to suggest the origins of African bead jewelry - such as rudimentary beads made from eggs and other simple materials - go back over 75,000 years. That's according to recent archeological finds.

It is not surprising that African artisans resorted to materials that they could find. Stones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, emeralds, rubies and sapphires were fashioned into their jewelry. Metals such as copper, bronze and gold are also used.

Jewelry was closely tied to religious and traditional beliefs. Pendants and amulets were used to ward off evil spirits. The use of glass and shell is associated with the idea of fertility. In some regions, ivory was considered so sacred that only kings were permitted it use.

African jewelry pieces are stunning, with colours and designs that immediately cause a visual impact and seldom fail to draw you in for a closer inspection.

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