Glass Pony Bead Chunky Cuff (Bejeweled Plains)

Here at Beyond Buckskin, we like to look at history and tradition for inspiration.

These cuffs feature Pony beads, which were first introduced to our communities by French explorers and fur traders in the 17th Century. By the 1800s, these glass beauties were incorporated into clothing and accessories, either alongside or replacing natural beads handmade from stone, bone, shell, or copper. Because of their small size, they were easily transportable by ponies on trade routes and were important for goodwill early trade transactions.

This cuff includes translucent glass beads in dark cherry, iridescent purple, milky white, cobalt blue, emerald green, and light blues with metal and faceted black bead accents. Designed and made in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota by Beyond Buckskin owner Jessica R. Metcalfe. Fits a size medium wrist best.