Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Four examples of repaired amber beads

Posted by Ethnic Embellishments on May 7, 2011 at 11:09pm

These are four of a larger collection of repaired amber beads from Morocco (though I suspect the lower left hand bead is from Mali or Mauritania). Some of the repairs are old and others are more vintage. The lower left hand corner bead is not broken; it has a decorative brass bead "cap" added to either end with a metal tube of copper. This was done to make be bead more functional as its hole had become too big with years and years of wear. Amber was valuable and a broken bead is worth less than a functional bead with a hole. The variations and decorative styles of repairing beads never ceases to amaze.

Comments

Frankie Carter February 16, 2014 at 2:28pm

Of course - I had never given thought as to why amber beads might be capped. It makes such good sense! Decorative, too. I think caps can give added texture to a design.
SARAH CORBETT February 16, 2014 at 5:10pm

Congratulations, these are fabulous. I agree that the capped bead is likely from Mauritania or Mali. A real treat to see them .
milene rust February 17, 2014 at 5:47pm

So much character. Beautiful.