Waist beads are beads strung on a thread that are worn as jewelry around the
mid-section and hips. The traditional practice of wearing waistbeads has
origins in West Africa, and the history and meanings vary amongst cultures and
tribes.

Traditionally, waist beads were worn by women in West African cultures as a
symbol of womanhood, fertility, beauty, sexuality, and to mark significant life
stages like coming of age or transitioning into adulthood. They were also used
as a way to monitor body changes due to their fitted nature, with tightness
indicating weight gain.

Waistbeads are traditionally designed to be tied on. However, to serve
people with certain restraints such as medical restrictions and/or touch
sensory interpretations we provide a removable option.

Regardless of your size, race, or gender our adornments are made for
personal expression & for varied intentions. We believe that regardless of
demographic, anybody should have the experience of wearing a waistbead as a
daily reminder to appreciate your body in all phases of your journey.

However, it is necessary for all people of non-African culture to acknowledge,
understand and respect the origins of waistbeads so that the culture behind it
does not get misappropriated. For more information about the origins of
waistbeads expand "What are waistbeads?"

Meaning
is assigned to waistbeads based on what gemstones are used and use of colors.
Color meanings can vary by region and culture.

RED: Stability,
Trust, Passion, Confidence, Vitality

ORANGE: Sexuality,
Creativity, Stimulation.

YELLOW: Optimism,
Confidence, Joy

GREEN: Abundance,
Healing, Harmony

TURQUOISE: Peace,
Connection, Love

BLUE: Clarity,
Trust, Divine Guidance

PURPLE: Wisdom,
Intuition, Transformation

PINK/ROSE: Femininity,
Self-Love, Compassion

WHITE/CLEAR: Clarity,
Light, Positivity

SILVER: Divine
Femininity, Moon Energy, Protection

BLACK: Protection,
Mystery, Elegance, Power

GOLD: Divinity,
Spiritual, Enlightenment, Propserity

BRONZE/BROWN: Grounding
& Growth

Some people use waist beads as a non-scale way to track weight fluctuations.
As you lose weight, you will feel the beads dropping, and as you gain, you will
notice the beads push up.

Keep in mind, exact measurements are only needed if you are ordering a removable waistbead. Otherwise, tie-on waistbeads are self-adjustable and can be ordered in a general size of 45 inches or 60 inches and then sized down once receieved.

The best way to determine your size is to use a soft measuring tape to measure your waist area in inches. If you're unable to determine your exact size, I suggest purchasing a standard-sized tie-on strand and then sizing it down once received. (Do not purchase a standard size if you are ordering a removable clasp - it will be too big. Exact measurements are needed for removable waistbeads.)

Our standard sized strands are 45-inch or 60-inch. Standard 45-inch strands
usually fit basic sizes up to XL (size 18) whereas Standard 60-inch strands
usually fit plus sizes up to 4XL (size 26W). Choose the size range that is
closest to your waist size. You may also order an extended size if you need a
size longer than 60-inches.

Find Your Placement:

-Wrap the beads around your waist at your desired position (e.g., hips, navel,
or natural waistline).

-Adjust them tosit comfortably without being too tight or too loose.

Secure the Beads:

-Hold the beads firmly in place where they fit perfectly on your waist.

-Ensure the beads are evenly spaced, and the strand is not twisted.

Tie the Knots:

-Pull the strand snugly and tie a double knot.

-For added security, tie two more knots to create a total of 3-4 tight knots.

Trim the Excess String:

-Using scissors, carefully cut off the extra string, leaving about 3-4
millimeters from the final knot to prevent unraveling.

Since some waistbeads are worn 24/7 and they become an intimate body item.
You can keep waistbeads clean by treating them as an extension of your natural
body and clean them with soap and water. 

You may also use a light astringent such as alcohol, witch hazel, or rose water
to keep waistbeads fresh and hygienic.

Avoid putting creams, oils, lotions, or perfumes directly onto your
waistbeads.