Jewelry With Cultural Roots

People decorate themselves with jewelry across the globe that reflects culture and tradition. Many pieces are made from natural objects from the environment or pendants that symbolize ancient beliefs. From national gemstones to distinctive designs, certain elements define jewelry traditions around the world.

1. Algeria

Much of traditional Algerian jewelry stems from the Islamic religion with distinct pieces like tiaras, chandelier earrings, anklets, and necklaces made from natural elements. Common materials used are silver and colorful gemstones. An avezim, a decorative Algerian brooch, is often placed at the bedside of a newborn and the mother.

2. Afghanistan

Traditional Afghan jewelry consists of chunky tribal jewelry originating from the Kochi tribe. These pieces are typically made with string, robust materials, and precious stones from the highlands like rubies, emeralds, garnets, and lapis lazuli. Designs are bold with patterns like lattice or flowers, and beads and coins are also often used.

3. Antigua & Barbuda

The jewelry reflects the beautiful beaches and lush coral reefs made from natural objects like fan corals, palms, and leather. Antigua is renowned for its unique lavender-colored jade stone that is often put in their jewelry. The gemstone is referred to as the “stone of angels” and is believed to emanate pure energy for spiritual nourishment.

4. Argentina

A sun coin necklace representing the Incan God is a national symbol of Argentina deeply rooted in history. Inca rose jewelry is also traditional in Argentina, with pieces incorporating Rhodochrosite, a pink manganese mineral and national gemstone of Argentina.

5. Bangladesh

Bangladesh jewelry is established by a skilled repousse technique, enameling, filigree patterns, pink pearls, and silver or gold metals. The jewelry is delicate and lightweight with intricate designs. Various tribal pieces use silver chains, coin pendants, and colorful beads.

6. Barbados

The jewelry of Barbados echoes the Caribbean landscape and the Bajan Ethnic background. Crafters create jewelry from nature, using things like pearls, wood, and shells to make beads. Long necklaces, shell bracelets, and large hoop earrings are popular pieces that reflect the vibrant culture.

7. Brazil

Brazilians often adorn a traditional bracelet called balangandan. The name came from the sound the bracelet makes when it moves. The bracelet came from West African influence and is fastened together with charms and amulets. Traditional tribal charms represent various symbolic meanings such as a cashew fruit to represent abundance.

8. Costa Rica

With a nation known for its pura vida lifestyle, there’s no wonder Costa Rican jewelry is pure and natural. Many of their jewelry and accessories are made from sea glass, beach wood, seashells, and gemstones. Green jade stone is common in Costa Rica and is often carved and used as pendants in their jewelry.

9. Denmark

The ancient Vikings influenced Denmark’s historical jewelry designs which also reflect their Norse religious beliefs. Many pieces include motifs of Gods or symbols of the religion. Nowadays, traditional Danish jewelry design combines pendants representing Thor’s hammer and the Christian cross made from gold.

10. Egypt

The Egyptians are widely known for their distinctive jewelry that was preserved and excavated from the tombs and pyramids of the ancient pharaohs. One significant piece Egypt is famous for is the traditional beaded collar worn by men and women. The thick collar choker is typically made from gold embellished with colorful gemstones like turquoise and carnelian.

11. Ghana

Ghana jewelry is famous for its Krobo beads that date back to 970 CE. Today, these traditional beads are made from finely ground scarp glass molded in clay casts. The inner layer of the beads is lined with cassava leaf and the surface is painted in various colors and designs.

12. Hawaii

The Hawaiians are famous for their pukka shells. Pukka shells were once used as lucky charms for sailors, representing a peaceful journey across the ocean. The well-recognized pukka shell necklaces are made by stringing and stacking layers of shells in various sizes and colors.

13. India

India’s range of traditional jewelry reflects the nation’s diverse culture and represents various regions. Much of their jewelry can be characterized by vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and elaborate pendants. Mixing colorful beads and gemstones in one piece is common and gold is typically used in their jewelry. Stacks of bangles, head jewelry, and nose rings are significant to India’s culture.

14. Ireland

The Claddagh ring is an iconic symbol of love in Ireland. The ring features two hands cradling a heart adorning a crown. Traditionally used as an engagement ring, the hands represent the joining of hands in marriage, the heart represents love, and the crown signifies loyalty. There are many variations of the ring made from different materials and inlaid stones.

15. Japan

Japanese hairpins are traditional to their ancient culture, often featuring engravings of flowers and birds. Hair pins are used to embellish women’s hairstyles and updos. Hair pins and other jewelry are traditionally made with ivory, mother of pearl, silver, and gold elements.

16. Malaysia

Malaysia is known for its lavish gold headpieces that exhibit a blend of Chinese and Indian heritage. One distinctly Malaysian headpiece originates from the ancient Langkausa empire called a Kecopong. The design is distinguished by its tall layered tower that sits on an ornate base and is often made of shimmering gold.

17. Nepal

Nepal is a nation with several traditional jewelry pieces one of them being a potte necklace. Potte necklaces are traditionally given to a bride by the mother-in-law on the day of the wedding. It’s a long necklace made from clusters of stringed glass beads with red being the most dominant color.

18. Russia

Russia has a few key pieces that are traditional to their cultural heritage. The most widely known jewelry is a classic pearl necklace. Russia is also known for jewelry called kolodochka which is a design that replicates a serpent, made from tightly knit beads or chains.

19. Tanzania

Earlobe stretching is a practice from the Maasai tribe that is intended to augment their beauty. Maasai people wear large earplugs made from stones, wood, or animal tusks. Women of the tribe often adorn additional ear piercings with massive chandelier earrings made from colorful natural beads.

20. Turkey

Traditional jewelry in Turkey is known best for its array of gemstones. Turkish women tend to wear jewelry embellished with sapphires, rubies, or emeralds whereas then men lean towards agates, turquoise, or tiger-eyes. From chokers to earrings, pieces are typically made with an appreciation for the natural shape of the gemstones.