Waist beads are a piece of jewelry worn around the waist, hip. ankle and wrist. Originating in Africa, waist beads are traditionally worn by women for posture, beauty, weight tracking, protection, growth sexuality, femininity, fertility, well-being, and maturity. Waist beads can be worn by young girls and married women, and made with copper, corals, beads, stones, glass, metal, crystals, gemstones, charms, wooden beads, or plastic beads.