These Are Not Your Worry Beads

Ana- Viejas, I am suddenly transported back to my childhood. I am 9 years old sitting on the floor and I am stringing colorful plastic beads. Today, I am feeling nine again. I am looking through my things and finding my beads. I am having fun thinking the many ways I can wear them now. Beading is no child's play. According to AfroStyle magazine, beads "were used once as a currency to trade purchase gold, ivory, and palm oils, species and weapons."

Beads are also prominent in new Artificial Intelligence generated characters all over the internet. And what about religion? Rosaries are also made of beads. My mother wore one in her wrist at all times.

As I look through my things to find my beads, I will be thinking about how to style them in a way that respects their value to so many cultures through the years.

Corina – As Ana just shared; beads have always been worn and used for spiritual and mindful practices across many cultures. They are also extremely popular as fashion accessories or embellishments, especially this summer. Trending are the handcrafted beads, the colorful beads, the ones mixed with shells, and those that bring memories from a different era.

I have worn beaded necklaces and bracelets for decades in a range of colors, lengths, shapes, and materials. I like the classic -one strand- in semi-precious stones such as onyx, tiger-eye, turquoise or amber. Of course, I love the always favorite choker. Many of the ones I own; used to belong to my mom. I also own and wear inexpensive beaded fashion jewelry that I can pair with any outfit and for any occasion.

Viejas, in case you are wondering...Yes, I did wear hair beads in the late 70s as a teenager inspired by the Bo Derek look.