FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions and answers.
*How do I know what size to choose?
Most of our waist beads are traditional tie on beads made with non-stretch cotton thread. You will receive a long strand of beads that you then fit to your waist. You do not need to know your exact measurements, and do not select a size when ordering tie on beads. Our standard beads are approximately 50- 55 inches in length and will generally fit most.
*Can Anyone Wear Waist Beads?
Yes, anyone can wear waist beads regardless of gender, age, or cultural background. While waist beads have deep roots in African culture and hold various traditional and spiritual significances, they can also be appreciated and worn with respect and understanding of cultural differences.
*Can I shower with them? How do they come off?
Traditionally, we do not remove beads once tied, they are suppose stay on. You can bathe, exercise and do just about anything in your beads. The thread will dry quickly on its own after being exposed to water from bathing and swimming.
If you want the option to remove your beads, we suggest tying them lower hip, so that you can remove it overhead
*Where do you ship from?
Although we do purchase beading supplies worldwide, our beads are handmade and shipped from Florida.
*What are waist beads and what are they used for?
Waist beads are beads strung on a thread that are worn as jewelry around the mid-section and hips. The practice of wearing waist beads has origins in Africa, and the history and meanings vary amongst cultures. All our waist beads are handmade in Ghana, where waist beads have been used to celebrate femininity and sexuality; as jewelry worn for your lover’s eyes only, in female rites of passage and marriage ceremonies; and as a tool for tracking children’s weight. Some beads were blessed to offer protection, ward off illness, bring love and fertility to its wearer.
In modern times, waist beads have become a movement of empowerment, a way for women to express themselves, set positive intentions and celebrate the female form by drawing attention to a part of the body that is sometimes judged and shamed. Our beads are made for everybody, shape, size and color. We believe that all women should be able to experience the beauty and power that comes from wearing waist beads. We encourage you to wear yours as a daily reminder to appreciate your body in all phases of your journey.
*How can I readjust if they become loose?
You can retie your traditional tie on beads if they become loose. You must have enough excess string to be able to retie the ends together. Simply cut the string where you initially tied, remove the excess beads and retie the knot following the initial tying instructions.
*What do the colors mean?
Waist beads can be used a personal means of self-expression, so it really depends on you. Some people choose beads based on the meanings and emotions associated with certain colors, others choose based on colors they are drawn to. Here are some commonly accepted color meanings:
Black – Power, protection, silence, and elimination
Blue – Loyalty, peace, hope, healing, patience and truth
Brown – Earth, grounding, and stability
Gold – Good health, success, courage, power, wealth and setting boundaries
Purple – Royalty, spirituality, intuition, wisdom, and deep connections
Green – Abundance, fertility, nature, health, and prosperity
White – Light, truth, purity, and new beginnings
Orange – Courage, energy, vitality, self-confidence, and magnetism
Yellow – Energy, joy, and happiness
Pink – Care, beauty, love, optimism, friendship, and kindness
Red – Confidence, love, passion, strength, power, and vitality
Turquoise – Communication and self-awareness
Silver – Openness, and intuition
*When will my order arrive?
Orders are usually shipped out between 3-5 business days. During the summer and holiday season shipment timeframe can take 7-14 business days.
This time frame is at an estimate and is subject to change based on the volume of business. For any orders that will be delayed outside of the normal production time correspondence will be sent via email or you will receive a text message from me directly.