Every season requires a new wardrobe. For the fall, it's all about scarves and cardigans. For winter, flannels and stylish boots reign. During the springtime, bright colors are welcomed and fun. And for summer, shorts and airy tops that help you survive the heat are a winning combo.
Regardless of your style, it's great to switch up your wardrobe every time a new season rolls around. It gives you an opportunity to recreate yourself and wear pieces that you miss and enjoy. And with summertime settling in, you've probably already pulled out your favorite sandals and shorts from the back of your closet. Maybe you've even gone to the mall to buy new clothes and check out the latest styles.
But before you start wearing all of your outfits for the summer, make sure you don't forget the one thing that can help your clothes pop: jewelry, and specifically, handcrafted artisan jewelry that's unique and intricate.
Too often, people forget to buy accessories to decorate their outfits, and it makes sense. When you go into clothing stores, it's the clothes that take center stage while the jewelry is usually confined to one wall, a few shelves near the checkout aisle, or a table in the back by the dressing rooms.
While situating the jewelry in these places likely has a purpose that customers are unaware of, it still doesn't take away from the fact that it can be hard to remember to buy accessories. However, without these crucial pieces, outfits that were meant to shine and stand out can suddenly look dull and boring.
The important role of jewelry in history and modern times
Jewelry is not a modern creation. You can trace these ornate pieces all the way back to around 3,000 to 400 BC, where they prospered in the Mediterranean and what is now called Iran. In ancient times, people typically wore jewelry that had spiritual significance and was decorated with stars and floral designs.
But the use of jewelry has expanded to every country and evolved into mesmerizing works of art that instill confidence and enhance natural beauty. One of the places that is especially known for having beautiful jewelry is Africa.
Throughout history, Africans have used organic materials and resources easily accessible in their region to create handcrafted artisan jewelry. Trade eventually made it easier to gather new things and spice up decorative pieces. Ivory, seashells, amber, wood, and glass were among the common materials African artisans used to create elegant items.
However, while impressive, none of this compares to the breath-taking bead jewelry that African artisans are known to produce. Beaded jewelry is a staple in some African cultures. This type of handcrafted artisan jewelry comes in different colors, shapes, and styles, making them versatile pieces that you can wear with anything.
They're awesome at adding a pop of color or playing a softer role with pastel tones that compliment every skin tone. Even better, African beaded jewelry is gender-neutral, so men and women can wear them to enhance their outfits. With handcrafted artisan jewelry like African beaded bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, you can bring more life to your summer clothes and boost your confidence.
Shop summer-inspired handcrafted artisan jewelry from Africa
If you want to make your summer clothes stand out with African beaded jewelry, you may be wondering where to buy them. After all, getting this kind of handcrafted artisan jewelry isn't as simple as going to your local mall, especially if you want authentic pieces.
Luckily, Khutsala Artisans is here to help. With a great team of Swazis from Eswatini, Khutsala Artisans provides beautiful beaded African jewelry that's perfect for the summer. Each piece is handmade and uniquely designed to include summertime hues and a taste of Africa that will level up your outfit. For example, here are just a few pieces that you may want to check out.
Featuring beautiful blue trade beads, a Coptic cross, and white shell disks, this handcrafted artisan jewelry is one of a kind. The West African Trade Bead Bracelet contains Gazi trade beads that come from West Africa. And in the 1700s and 1800s, these beads were a favored payment method for goods and services.
However, they're not the only part of this bracelet that has a history. The Coptic cross is just as significant—it comes from Ethiopia, where Coptic Christians were the first Christians after Christ's death. This group is also the supposed keepers of the Ark of the Covenant. So if you want an African bracelet that's just as beautiful as it is historical, this summer piece is perfect for you.
Get the West African Trade Bead Bracelet HERE.
A unique and elegant piece for summer, the Water Drop Set features Gazi beads that hail from West Africa. These beads are blue glass, making them fantastic additions to any outfit that needs an extra pop of color or has a tropical tone. Additionally, this set comes with earrings and a matching necklace, giving you everything you need to complete your outfit.
Buy the Water Drop Set HERE
Part of the signature SwaziMUD beads, this handcrafted artisan jewelry is one of the most popular pieces at Khutsala Artisans. The SwaziMUD Stackable Bracelet comes in many colors, but the cream speckle is a soft neutral tone that's great for the summer.
On its own, this bracelet makes a statement. The hard work that the Swazi artisans spent painting and firing the beads in a kiln is visible. However, this piece also works wonderfully if you want to stack it with other bracelets or mix and match to add some flair.
Purchase the SwaziMUD Stackable Bracelet HERE.
Another spectacular piece that features Khutsala Artisans' signature SwaziMUD beads, this bracelet is truly one of a kind. Featuring a silver leaf charm, this piece is great if you're someone who likes to enjoy nature and picturesque landscapes, parks, beaches, mountains, and more during the summer.
The SwaziMUD Silver Leaf Bracelet is available in multiple colors, but getting it in buxi green will make it an excellent addition to your summer wardrobe. Whether you want to use this bracelet to dress up an outfit or add to a casual look, this beautiful piece will not disappoint.
Buy the SwaziMUD Silver Leaf Bracelet HERE.
Versatile and stylish, the Leaf Necklace not only features a beautiful silver leaf dangle but also contains Khutsala Artisans' signature SwaziMUD beads. Hanging on an adjustable silver chain, the beads come in various summer shades, including deep stone, sea moss, and buxi green, and the silver leaf is also surrounded by handmade nature-inspired charms. This piece works well with any summer outfit, so finding clothes to match it won't be a problem.
Get the Leaf Necklace HERE.
Enhance your summer wardrobe
Wearing summer clothes is always fun. They're breezy, comfortable, and come in light and bright colors. But no outfit is complete without the right jewelry. To finish your summer wardrobe, grab some beautiful accessories from Khutsala Artisans.
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