Blue Nile Bracelet

Bold and soulful, this magnificent artisan bracelet is a wonderful blend of modern elegance and primitive antiquity. The intriguing aquamarine resin beads are separated by a series of lush handmade silver beads, contrasting in size, shape, style and texture. Both polished and elegant, the resin and silver beads complement one another by accentuating the distinct character and style of each. The handcrafted copper clasp and exotic African brass beads and rings bring a balance to the bracelet, adding soul and an earthy ruggedness.

The molded blue beads are hand carved from tree resin by "cottage industry" in Indonesia. They are lightweight and colorful, sanded to a smooth matte finish with each bead slightly varied from the next. The large silver beads are actually terra cotta donuts that have been fired with a copper glaze, coated with 100% pure silver, and then antiqued. These stunning beads are of outstanding quality and they have a unique "liquid" silver appearance. The small, smooth washers also have a terra cotta base and silver coating. Providing texture to the silver bead segments, are beautiful handmade sterling silver Bali beads.

Deceivingly ancient in appearance, the woven brass beads are actually newly made in a village near Kumasi, Ghana. Similarly, the brass rings are currently made in Cameroon and Nigeria with some actually being ancient pieces. Each of these brass components are superb pieces of art bringing authentic flavor and depth to this bracelet. I formed the clasp from copper and brass wire, creating charm and adding further character and handmade flavor to the piece.

This piece is actually named based on the Blue Nile Ethiopian Cross, which is a stunning necklace made from the same basic materials as this bracelet. Although Blue Nile does seem a fitting name for this piece anyway, I originally based it on the origin and meaning of the Ethiopian cross pendant of the necklace.

Although not considered one-of-a-kind, due to the natural variations of the beads in this art-to-wear bracelet as well as the handmade nature of the clasp, no two pieces will be alike. Depending on bead sizes and the width of your wrist, it may be necessary to add or remove the outermost silver washers.