Ocean Blue Krobo & Ashanti Brass Beaded Necklace - Handmade Africa

Ocean Blue Krobo & Ashanti Brass Beaded Necklace - Handmade Africa

This striking beaded necklace captures the beauty of the Atlantic in shimmering shades of blue, accented with sleek black for dramatic contrast. Disc-shaped Krobo powder glass beads evoke the colors of deep sea, turquoise shallows, and midnight tides. A handcrafted Ashanti brass bead centerpiece adds a golden touch, creating a perfect balance of cool and warm tones. Strung on a durable 1.5 mm Korean cord, it’s a statement of elegance and tradition.

• Necklace length: 25 1/2" (65 cm)
• Bead sizes: 13–15 mm diameter (glass beads)
• Large brass bead size: approx. 40 x 10 mm
• Small round brass bead size: approx. 9 mm diameter
• Materials: Recycled glass beads, brass beads, Korean cord

YOUR STRAND WILL BE IDENTICAL TO THE STRAND SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH (GIVEN NORMAL VARIATION SINCE THESE BEADS ARE ALL COMPLETELY HANDMADE).

About the Colors

The bead colors flow from soft sky blue to rich cobalt, with touches of deep navy and black, giving a sense of depth and movement like ocean waves under changing light. The matte surface of the Krobo beads adds a soft, velvety finish, enhancing the boldness of the colors.

Traditional Craftsmanship

The Krobo glass beads are handmade in Ghana by crushing recycled glass bottles into powder, placing the powder into clay molds, and firing them in a firewood kiln. This method, unique to the Krobo people, results in vibrant, richly colored beads with a timeless appeal.

The Ashanti brass beads are created in Kumasi using the lost wax casting method. Each bead is individually sculpted in wax, encased in clay, and cast in molten brass. The mold is broken after each casting, ensuring that no two beads are ever the same.

Cultural Significance

Krobo glass beads and Ashanti brass beads have been traded, worn, and cherished across West Africa for centuries. They symbolize wealth, social connection, and artistry, making this necklace both a wearable treasure and a link to African history.