At Fierce Lynx Designs, my goal has always been to create jewellery that’s not only beautiful but meaningful, sustainable, and connected—to the land, to the people who make the materials, and to the stories behind each bead. That’s why recycled glass and Krobo beads, handmade in Africa using traditional techniques, have become such important elements in my work. These green, eco-friendly beads bring colour, character, and cultural depth to my designs, all while supporting global artisans and reducing environmental impact. Recycled glass beads are available in a wide range of colours, offering endless possibilities for creating visually striking and diverse jewellery pieces.
Whether you’ve admired them in the Fierce Friendship Collection, spotted them in one of my travel-inspired Voyage pieces, or discovered them in older Fierce Wellness bracelets, these unique beads carry a story worth sharing. Their vibrant colours and rustic appearance add visual appeal and authenticity. Here’s why they matter so much to me—and why they continue to play a major role in Fierce Lynx jewellery.
What Are Recycled Glass Beads?
Recycled glass beads start their life as everyday objects and are made from reclaimed glass, such as bottles, that have been melted and formed into bead shapes. Instead of ending up in a landfill, these materials are collected, cleaned, crushed, and transformed into shimmering new beads.
The process of making recycled glass beads involves cleaning, crushing, melting, moulding, and finishing the glass. The production process of African recycled glass beads also involves compressing glass into a dry grain and heating it so that the pieces form together.
The process often looks like this:
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Glass is broken into tiny pieces and ground into a fine powder
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Artisans pack the powder into hand-shaped or moulded forms
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The glass is heated in a kiln until it fuses into a bead
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A cassava leaf stem is used to make a hole in African recycled glass beads.
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Once cooled, each bead is sanded, polished, and sometimes hand-painted
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Finishing processes typically involve tumbling beads in sand and water to achieve a smooth surface.
Because the materials are reused, colour tones can vary beautifully. Some beads have a frosted, sea-glass look; others are smooth, glossy, or speckled. These organic variations make each bead—and each bracelet—distinct.
Recycled glass beads are often sold by the strand, making them ideal for jewelry makers and retailers. Wholesale quantities of African recycled glass beads are also available for purchase, catering to larger-scale projects and businesses. Additionally, African recycled glass beads are available for sale online, making them accessible to a global audience.
What Are Krobo Beads?
Krobo beads are a traditional form of powder-glass bead made by the Krobo people of Ghana. This artistry dates back hundreds of years and continues today using many of the same ancestral techniques. The Krobo people of Ghana have invented the exact method for making this style of recycled glass beads. African recycled glass beads, renowned for their cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, are a unique expression of West African tradition and creativity.
These beads are rich in cultural meaning and are often used in:
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Ceremonies
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Coming-of-age rituals
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Marriage celebrations
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Festivals and storytelling traditions
How they’re made is truly remarkable:
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Artisans grind recycled glass into powder
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The powder is placed into hand-carved clay moulds in a careful order that reflects generations of craftsmanship
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Natural dyes, leaves, or cassava stems may be used to create patterns
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The beads are fired in earthen kilns
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Many beads are hand-painted after firing
The result? A vibrant bead with character, texture, and traditional symbolism. Each Krobo bead represents generations of craft passed down through families and communities. The fused glass is poured into a clay mould during the production of African recycled glass beads, ensuring each piece is crafted with precision and care.
Environmental Benefits of Choosing Recycled Glass
Sustainability is at the heart of Fierce Lynx, so choosing materials that support the planet is essential to me. Recycled glass offers several environmental advantages:
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Diverts waste from landfills
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Reduces energy use compared to producing new glass
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Supports a circular economy, where old materials become new creations
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Lowers the carbon footprint when small-batch, low-energy traditional techniques are used
In short: these beads don’t just look good—they do good.
Supporting Artisan Communities in Ghana
Using Krobo beads isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about supporting the artisans who carry this cultural practice forward.
Ethically sourced Krobo beads help provide:
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Reliable income to local craftspeople
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Opportunities for women and small family workshops
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Preservation of traditional techniques threatened by mass production
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Investment in education, community development, and sustainable working conditions
By incorporating Krobo beads into my jewellery, I’m able to support artisans whose heritage crafts might otherwise be overshadowed by factory-made alternatives.
It is important to choose a reputable seller to ensure the beads are authentic and that artisans are fairly compensated.
Why Recycled Glass & Krobo Beads Fit Fierce Lynx Designs
These beads align beautifully with the Fierce Lynx philosophy:
1. Sustainability First
Recycled materials and traditional crafting methods reduce waste and support a healthier planet.
2. Ethical Sourcing
I prioritize materials that are created with care, respect, and fair compensation.
3. Unique, Character-Rich Beauty
Their natural variations, textures, and colours pair effortlessly with high-quality gemstones, adding depth and personality to each piece.
4. Storytelling in Jewellery Form
Every bead holds a history—from discarded bottle to artisan studio to your wrist. Wearing Krobo or recycled glass beads connects you to a global story of resilience, sustainability, and creativity.
You’ll often see these beads featured in designs like Abundant Lynx, Boreal Birch Balance, and several pieces in the Voyage Collection travel jewelry, where their texture and colour add warmth, culture, and a grounded earthiness.
Are Recycled Glass & Krobo Beads Durable?
Yes—once fired, these beads are surprisingly strong. They behave much like gemstone beads in everyday wear, though there are a few care tips to extend their life:
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Avoid prolonged exposure to water
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Keep them away from harsh chemicals or perfumes
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Wipe gently with a soft cloth when needed
With mindful care, these beads will stay beautiful for years.
Jewellery That Makes a Difference
Choosing pieces made with recycled glass or Krobo beads means choosing jewellery with purpose. These materials support local and global communities, honour traditional craft, and help reduce environmental impact—all while adding vibrant colour and texture to your collection. Jewelry components made from recycled glass beads can include earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, offering versatile options for any style. African recycled glass beads are emerging as a fashion trend, worn by people around the world.
As a maker, I’m proud to include them in my designs. They’re a reminder that beauty and responsibility can—and should—go hand in hand.
Explore Designs Featuring Recycled Glass & Krobo Beads
Ready to add a piece of sustainable, artisan-crafted beauty to your collection?
Explore my designs featuring recycled glass and Krobo beads here
