Experience the elegance and beauty of *Beads of Beauty* wearable art. Supple bracelets, shimmering earrings, unique necklaces and graceful lariats, all hand-woven with the finest polished glass beads, pearls, crystals and semi-precious stones.

Beads of Beauty jewelry is hand-woven with size 15/0 Japanese and Czech glass seed beads (the smallest glass beads made in the world), using two needles and durable Nymo nylon beading thread. Each piece takes anywhere from a half day to an entire week to create. The tiny beads and the fact that they are not made on a loom create a lightness, smoothness and suppleness not found in other beadwork.

Beads of Beauty jewelry is made at The Huichol Center for Cultural Survival, a nonprofit community center dedicated to preserving the Huichols' cultural heritage in the face of the demands of the modern world. The artisans use the finest materials and incorporate traditional Huichol symbols, such as mandalas, sacred spirals and peyote flowers, but with a unique modern twist and contemporary color combinations.

Anthropologist Susana Eger Valadez, founder and director of the Huichol Center, traveled to Mexico about 30 years ago while working on her MA Degree in Latin American Studies at UCLA. In the process of studying the Huichol culture, her life was changed forever. In 1981, she and her Huichol husband Mariano Valadez, renowned Huichol yarn painter, co-founded the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts.

Susana Valadez, in collaboration with Imelda Cruz de la Rosa (Huichol designer and activist), comes up with many of the new designs and concepts. Angelica Valadez (Huichol designer and daughter of Susana and Mariano) and Gael Jefferies (U.S. sales and marketing manager for the Huichol Center) also contribute designs and ideas. The Huichol Center artisans learn and recreate traditional designs as well, making their own versions with new colors and the finest glass beads.

The Huichol Center for Cultural Survival was established as a bridge between the Huichol people and the outside world. In an effort to promote the survival, health and self-sufficiency of the tribe, the Center provides numerous social services and promotes sustainable community development practices.

One of the main jobs provided by the Center is the creation of Beads of Beauty beaded jewelry, which funds the operational support of the project. These jobs benefit many families, who are able to make a living with their traditional art forms while at the same time bringing the beauty of Huichol symbolism and spirituality to the world. Please browse our website, and enjoy!