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Enjoy 15% Off Your First Purchase!
Buy More & Save Up To 15% Off Waist Beads Everyday!
Buy Now, Pay Later! Adorn Yourself Generously.
Enjoy Free Shipping With Your Purchase of $60 or More
Adorn more, save more — 10% off 3 strands or 15% off 5. No code needed.
Below, you'll find answers to my most frequently asked questions along with the beautiful cultural roots that inspire everything I create.
Waist beads are traditional strands of glass, crystal, gemstone, or seed beads worn around the waist or hips. Originating in ancient Africa and widely embraced across West Africa — particularly in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal — these adornments have been worn for centuries to celebrate womanhood, mark life transitions, and serve as tools of spiritual and personal empowerment.
Waist beads have ancient origins, dating back to ancient Egypt, where they were known as "girdles." Over time, the tradition spread across West Africa, especially flourishing in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other neighboring cultures.
In Ghanaian culture specifically, waist beads are deeply tied to womanhood rituals — often gifted to girls during puberty rites (such as Dipo ceremonies among the Krobo people) to mark the transition into womanhood.
n Ghana, waist beads are not just decorative. They hold layered meanings:
Feminine Empowerment: A private, sacred reminder of beauty, self-worth, and inner strength.
Spiritual Protection: Some strands are blessed for protection or healing.
Cultural Identity: Adorning the body with beads is a way to stay connected to ancestral lineage and honor one’s roots.
Body Awareness: Traditionally, beads are used to gauge changes in weight or fertility, offering a natural way to connect with one’s body.
Celebration: Waist beads are worn during celebrations, weddings, births, and rites of passage.
At Adorned by Abena, each strand you receive carries this deep legacy — a bridge between past, present, and the sacred woman you are becoming.
Yes — waist beads make a beautiful, meaningful gift. They're perfect for birthdays, new motherhood, rites of passage, weddings, or simply to say “I see your light.” Though I don't currently offer gift wrapping as a formal service, if you’d like to include a note or gift wrapping, reach out to me and I'll do my best to accomodate you.
Krobo beads are traditional Ghanaian glass beads, handcrafted by the Krobo people of Eastern Ghana. These exquisite beads are made through a centuries-old process: recycled glass is crushed into a fine powder, poured into clay molds, and fired in earthen kilns. Artisans then hand-paint intricate designs onto the beads before a second firing seals the beauty in.
Each bead carries meaning — celebrating rites of passage, social status, spirituality, and personal milestones. Krobo beads are more than adornment; they are vibrant storytellers, passed through generations with honor.
Standard strands measure approximately 48 inches of beads. I also offer extended sizes (60 inches and beyond) to celebrate every divine curve. For other sizes please contact me to inquire about a custom order. I'll do my best to accomodate you.
Yes, Love. Simply leave a note at checkout or contact us to arrange your custom sizing for most of our adornments.
We thoughtfully curate materials including Czech glass seed beads, Ghanaian Krobo beads, crystals, gemstones, and other authentic beadwork — blending Ghanaian tradition with contemporary artistry.
Our traditional waist beads are tie-on, honoring the ancient ritual of permanent adornment. Select collections may offer clasped or elastic options in the future.
Treat your adornments with love. Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, perfumes, or saltwater. Gently pat your waist beads dry after bathing. Your beads are durable, but like all treasures, they thrive with tenderness. Remove your bracelets at bedtime and avoid banging them against things. Remember most pieces are made of glass. Handle with gentle care.
From time to time, we offer special gifts with purchase to celebrate launches, holidays, or our community. When a free gift promotion is active, you’ll need to meet the specified purchase requirement and enter the provided promo code at checkout. Gifts are only available while supplies last and may not be combined with other discounts or automatic bundle offers. Be sure to check the current promotion details for eligibility.
We offer free U.S. shipping on all orders of $60 or more (after discounts are applied). No code needed — it’s our gift to you.
Best of all, this offer can be combined with other promotions or discounts, so you can indulge a little and still save. Because adornment should feel just as good as it looks.
When you purchase more, I love to gift you a little extra:
Buy 3 strands, get 10% off
Buy 5 or more strands, get 15% off
No code needed — the discount applies automatically at checkout. This offer can be combined with our free shipping promo when your total (after discounts) is $60 or more.
Build your collection, because layering beauty should be both meaningful and rewarding.
All ready-to-wear orders are processed within 2–5 business days. During peak seasons, processing may take a little longer, but I will always keep you informed.
We begin preparing your adornments soon after your order is placed. Please reach out within 24 hours if you need to make any changes. After that, adjustments may not be possible.
Please refer to our refund policy for more information.
Currently, we ship within the United States only.
We ship via USPS Ground Advantage, which includes insurance at no extra cost to you.
Please review our shipping policy for more details.
Delivery typically takes 2–5 business days once shipped, depending on your location.
Please review our shipping policy for more details.
After your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number by email. For updates, you may also contact your local post office with your tracking number for the most accurate details.
Please review our shipping policy for more details.
At Adorned by Abena, each adornment is handcrafted with care, intention, and love. As a small artisan brand, I am deeply committed to the quality of every piece and the beauty of your experience.
Because each adornment is handmade and/or custom-made, I offer exchanges or store credit only for eligible online purchases within 14 days of your purchase date.
If you would like to request an exchange or store credit, please email me at support@adornedbyabena.com within 14 days of your order date.
All returns must be approved before you send anything back.
*Once your return is approved, I will provide the return address and detailed instructions for shipping your item back to me.
Please refer to our refund policy for more details.
If your adornment arrives damaged or defective, please contact me at support@adornedbyabena.com within 7 days of delivery. Be sure to include your order number and clear photos of the issue. Once verified, I will gladly offer a replacement or issue store credit.
Yes, soon! I'll be offering Waist Bead Soirées in the DMV and Greater Philadelphia Area. These sacred gatherings are filled with sisterhood, culture, and celebration. Sign up here to be notified when we’re hosting one near you.
I do, Love. Contact me to create a custom package for your special moments — bridal parties, sisterhood circles, and more.
