Silver repousse pendant from Nepal

   

African amber cube with Turkish silver                      Old Byzantine silver bead from Greece

Jewelry touched by distant lands
& distant times.

               Turkoman Pendant
                                      
   Antique pendant from Afghanistan                
                
                   Ethiopian Coptic Cross
                                                                 
                                                                                                                                      

     



Bead Tales - more than just a jewelry business.  Ethnic beads and pendants have been purchased from all over the world, many come from some of the world's poorest countries.  As much as possible effort is made to purchase ethnic supplies from individuals or co-ops that are working with impoverished people around the globe.  







                
    

    

          Kuchi pendant &
         bi-cone bead from Afghanistan

Artist Jean Klopsch presents Bead Tales, a unique collection of one of a kind, artisan jewelry featuring ethnic or vintage beads and pendants.  Many of the vintage items showcased in the beaded jewelry available on this site are quite old and will exhibit signs of wear.  Jean loves the history behind the pieces and finds the evidance of age only serves to add charm and mystery to her ethnic jewelry.  It is fun to wonder about how these items came to be, who cherished them and where they may have traveled.  Creating more than just the typical beaded necklace, these designs are conversation pieces.  

The ethnic components vary greatly, from delicate silver repousse treasures from Nepal to chunky brass masks created by the Baule people of the Ivory Coast; from the geometric style work found on a Tuareg pendant to intricate beads typical of  Yemeni silver.  All of the ethnic jewelry designs found here nod to another time or place.

Combining her love of travel and beading, Jean brings you jewelry with a story.  Much can be learned about other cultures through the study of beads.  There is much beauty and charm found in the art work of other cultures and the stories behind that art is both interesting and educational.  Attached to each necklace is a card which tells that story.