How Are the Betel Nuts Made Into Beads?

The betel nut can be dried and used for jewelry.

Betel nuts are a natural product. When dried, the nuts become hard and wood-like. They can then be drilled and carved for use in jewelry-making.

Features

The betel nut or Salwag is the fruit of the Areca palm. The Areca is found in humid tropical forests such as those of east Africa and parts of Asia. When fresh it is popular in certain parts of the world as a chewable stimulant. When the nut is dried, however, it becomes wood-like and tough.

Benefits

Because betel nut is made from the fruit of a palm rather than from wood, it can be grown sustainably. The nuts have natural markings and can look very attractive either in their natural state or when polished, varnished or dyed. They can be carved like wood into many different shapes.

Interesting Fact

Betel nut beads are sometimes used to make counterfeit Rudraksha nut beads, a special kind of bead used in Hindu religious practices. The smoother betel is carved to resemble the convoluted Rudraksha, which commands a much higher price.

References

• Fat Green Frog: Natural beads
• Kada's Garden Plant Guides: Areca catechu (Betel Nut) Guide
• Rudra Centre: Fake Rudraksha Beads

Resources

• Best Bead Guide: Bead Types: Wood Beads & Other Natural Materials: