Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Waistbeads?
Waist beads are beads strung on a thread that are worn as jewelry around the mid-section and hips. The traditional practice of wearing waistbeads has origins in West Africa, and the history and meanings vary amongst cultures and tribes.
Traditionally, waist beads were worn by women in West African cultures as a symbol of womanhood, fertility, beauty, sexuality, and to mark significant life stages like coming of age or transitioning into adulthood. They were also used as a way to monitor body changes due to their fitted nature, with tightness indicating weight gain.
Today, waistbeads can have cultural & spiritual purposes, however they are more commonly used as a weight tracker and accountability tool for weight management.
How Do I Determine My Size?
Each waistbead strand is available in a 45-inch General size or an Extended size (if more than 45 inches is required.)
Our standard 45-inch strands can be self-adjusted to fit from XXS (pant size 00) up to XL (pant size 18). Choose an extended size if you need a size bigger than XL and enter your required length in inches in the required text field.
If necessary, the best way to determine your size is to use a soft measuring tape to measure your waist area in inches.
How To Tie Waistbeads?
Each waistbead arrives with an easy tie instructions guide.
Do Waistbeads Have Meanings?
Meaning is assigned to waistbeads based on what gemstones are used and use of colors. Color meanings can vary by region and culture.
• RED: Stability, Trust, Passion, Confidence, Vitality
• ORANGE: Sexuality, Creativity, Stimulation.
• YELLOW: Optimism, Confidence, Joy
• GREEN: Abundance, Healing, Harmony
• TURQUOISE: Peace, Connection, Love
• BLUE: Clarity, Trust, Divine Guidance
• PURPLE: Wisdom, Intuition, Transformation
• PINK/ROSE: Femininity, Self-Love, Compassion
• WHITE/CLEAR: Clarity, Light, Positivity
• SILVER: Divine Femininity, Moon Energy, Protection
• BLACK: Protection, Mystery, Elegance, Power
• GOLD: Divinity, Spiritual, Enlightenment, Propserity
• BRONZE/BROWN: Grounding & Growth
How Long Does Shipping Take?
Shipping time is 2–7 business days from the date of order placement. You will receive a shipping notification with valid tracking details to the email or text number provided at the time of order placement when your order ships
Where Are MBV Waistbeads Sourced?
MBV waistbeads are created using materials from an ethical source. Each waistbead is personally handcrafted in Jacksonville, Florida by our master artisan Victoria Marie.
For more information on shipping & delivery visit Shipping & Delivery policy
Who Can Wear Waistbeads?
We believe that anybody regardless of age, sex, race, ethnical background, creed or gender should have the experience of wearing a waistbead. However, it is necessary for all people of non-African culture to acknowledge, understand and respect the origins of waistbeads so that the culture behind it does not get misappropriated.
What Time Of Materials Are Used?
Our waistbeads are made with a double layer of non-stretch, non-cotton thread for durability. For proprietary reasons, we do not disclose the source of our materials. Our materials are hypo-allergenic and are not at risk of causing irritation or rash to normal skin types.
Our copper adornments are made with pure copper, mostly imported from Africa. Our copper materials are hypo-allergenic to those without a copper allergy, and are not at risk of causing irritation or rash to normal skin types.
Testimonials
Goddessey - 60 inch
"My first and last waistbead lady, I will never go anywhere else."
LOVE PHASES - 60 INCH
"Good quality beads, small glass beads. Beautiful colors. String doesn't mold over time."
BOMBSHELL - 60 INCH
"Love love love. Venus is such a lovely person to communicate with. She never disappoints."