African Studies

True beauty and inspiration is best created from culture and meaning. Any good designer knows this. That is what makes this Swarovski crystal and rhodium 'Maasai' necklace by jewelry designer Tom Binns one of the hottest accessories for fall. (check it out at style.com)
For the Maasai women beadworking has a long history as a symbol by which the women can articulate their identity and position in society through body ornaments. Although wealth in this African culture is primarily focused on cattle and children, the use of jewelry is rather similar to affluent areas in the world where jewelry is often used to show or prove a sort of social standing...