African jewelry has long attracted international traders who are curious and admire this bold and artistic form of art. Found on display around the world in the finest museums, African jewelry is also a popular choice for the free spirit who wishes to set him or herself apart from the crowd. The materials are rustic and the designs are captivating, reflecting all the beauty that is Africa.

Many of the symbols found in African jewelry reflect the common images and aspects of daily tribal life. Masks and arrowheads are a popular choice for pendants and earrings and combine well with fused glass beads and natural materials. Fused glassed selections are distinctly African and are often expressed with vibrant color combinations in abstract or traditional amulet designs.

The cowry shell is another popular material for African jewelry and comes in a wide variety of color and sizes. However, one trait that remains the same from this subtropical shell is the eggshell shape, regardless of the size of the cowry. Necklaces, wrist and ankle bracelets make good use of the shells to separate beads and bone fragments into a one of a kind creation, bursting with personality and color.

African jewelry is as wide and diverse as the continent's people, with special detail and attributes tied to each tribal lineage. And perhaps the most recognizable African jewelry belongs to the culture of ancient Egypt. No trip to Egypt is complete until you have shopped Cairo's Khan el-Khalili market for best bargain deals on a solid gold or silver cartouche, usually sold as a pendant or bracelet with your name inscribed in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Africa is part of the cradle of civilization, with thousands of years of history and time periods to draw from. Whether your taste is contemporary African jewelry or a collection steeped in royal history, the people of Africa are famous for their jewelry creations since the beginning of time.