You don’t have to be jetting off around the world this summer to get a taste of another culture. Jewellery making is a doorway to the world, from the intricate Japanese Kumihimo beads to the stunning opulence of Traditional Indian Jewellery. If you’re looking for inspiration for a new jewellery making technique, why not look to far-flung shores for your next big idea. Stock up on supplies and get inspired by our top picks of the best jewellery making techniques from around the world.
Japanese Kumihimo
Kumihimo is a bead braiding technique that looks a lot scarier than it is. Once you get the hang of where your disc, bobbins and kumihimo beads should be, this jewellery making technique is a fun and therapeutic pastime. It has been elevated to the position of an artform in Japan, so you can be assured of stunning results. To get started you’ll need a few specialist items and some tiny kumihimo beads that are available in a range of stunning colours.
Native American Turquoise
Turquoise is a semi-precious stone steeped in legend and history. Known as the fallen sky stone, Native Americans believe that when the rains came, their tears of joy mixed with the rain and seeped into the earth, creating the stone of sky and water. It is found in the Southeastern states in the USA and is commonly used alongside red Jasper gemstones.
Traditional Indian Jewellery
India has enjoyed a 5000-year love affair with jewellery, and the love is still strong today. Traditional Indian jewellery evokes images of gold, lots of bangles, body jewellery and elaborate earrings. The easiest way to get a piece of this trend is with stacking bracelets, which are perfect for the summer.
Austrian Swarovski
Originally from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), Swarovski’s founder moved to Austria and founded the Swarovski company in 1895. In 1982 he patented his energy-intensive grinding process used to create the crystals. They were the height of fashion during the start of the 20th Century and continue to hold a special place in our hearts today. Swarovski beads are an easy way to add a touch of luxe to any jewellery making project.
Nepalese Prayer Beads
Prayer beads enjoyed a surge of popularity in the 90s, and like most other trends from that era, they’re coming back around again. Thanks to the increased interest in yoga and Buddhist principles, more and more people are turning to semi-precious stones for jewellery making. They are traditionally used to count the number of times a mantra is recited, or the number of breaths while meditating.
